Page 421 - Reading Mercury

HOSPITAL PARADE AT WOKINGHAM
THE RED CROSS BAND
The annual parade of the Royal Berkshire Hospital organised by the Red Cross
Band was held in Wokingham on Saturday. Assembling at the headquarters in Rose-
street, of the Red Cross Band, a procession paraded the town during the evening. The
bands parading included the Wokingham Red Cross Band (Mr. S. Butler conductor)
the Ascot Band (Mr. Morton), the Windlesham Band (Mr. Cree), and the Pipers of the
St. Giles Company, Reading; Church Lads Brigade (Sergt. Griffiths).
Two sections of the procession were formed, and the whole district was thoroughly
canvassed. The result of the day’s collection amounted to £21 2s. 11¼d., and of a
number of outstanding £4 11s. 0½d. making altogether a total of £25 13s. 11¾. In aid
of the Hospital Fund.

Sat 1st October
NEW CLUB PREMISES AT WOKINGHAM
Opening ceremony
The new Wokingham Club was opened on Wednesday afternoon, some 200 guests
assembling. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs. W. Howard Palmer, and Mr. and
Mrs. D.F. De Vitre were on the platform, and little Miss Doria Allan presented to
Mrs. Palmer a bouquet of pink carnations and lilies of the valley.
The Mayor in his remarks expressed the deep debt of gratitude that the town and
that Club owed to Mr. Howard Palmer for his very generous action with regard to the
promotion of the Club. The name of Palmer in Reading and adjoining towns was
proverbial for its generosity and liberality. Reading was said to be absorbing
Wokingham, but they were glad to see Wokingham absorbing a little of Reading in
exchange. As a town and Club they were pleased to have Mr. Palmer to reside in the
neighbourhood. He had not sought his own interest in any way in purchasing those
premises and in making those beautiful additions, but he had acted entirely with a
view to benefit Wokingham. (Applause.) Mr. De Vitre had been a good friend to the
Club and had acted as President. Mr. Palmer had accepted that position, and had
shown very great attention and energy in assisting the Club in its removal from the old
to the new premises. The Club thanked him for all his energy and work. (Cheers.)
Mr. De Vitre remarked that the whole Club congratulated itself on having the Mayor
as one of its members. As to Mr. Palmer’s kindness they were all agreed. In deference
to a wish of some of its members, Mr. De Vitre gave an outline of the Club’s history.
The Club, he said, was not only indebted to Mr. Palmer, but also to Mrs. Palmer, for
the most handsome billiard table she had given them (applause), which would not
only prove an addition but a source of income to the Club. The decorations had been
satisfactorily carried out, and the membership had increased from 90 to 200. Once
more he thanked Mr. and Mrs. Palmer and expressed his own sincere wishes for the
future prosperity of the Club.
There followed a speech by Mr. Howard Palmer which ended with him declaring
that the Club was open to the members of the Wokingham Club.
Mr. William Palmer then presented Mrs. Howard Palmer with a handsome silver
fruit dish, subscribed for by the members of the Club, and Mr. Palmer with a
handsome set of pipes in a case.
Mr. Howard Palmer expressed his great surprise at the presentation, for which he
heartily thanked the members. His wife and he would prize them as long as they lived.
A smoking concert presided over by Mr. H.E. Hall was held in the evening.

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