Page 424 - Reading Mercury

The Carnival Committee are in want of more funds for additional prizes, which will
include the best tableaux representing some episode in local history or the best group
of Dickens’ characters.
The Side-shows Committee have arranged to have bursting the bladder, penalty
goal-kicking, striking the ham, bowling for a pig, hoopla, cocoanut shies, bran tubs. It
has been arranged for the school children to each have one free dip in the bran tubs.
Mr. T.E. Ellison has generously offered to bear the expense of this, as regards St.
Paul’s and the Palmer Schools, and some members of the Wokingham Club are
paying the extra cost so as to include the Council, St. Sebastian’s, and Convent school
children. In addition the committee are giving all the school children a free ticket for
all save two of the side shows. Helpers are asked for in order to carry out this
programme.
Three hundred more Coronation plates are wanted-a matter of £8 only-in order that
the public who do not come under the old age claim may participate in the feast. It is
hoped that this amount will be contributed to the funds within a few hours of the issue
of this appeal.
ROASTING THE OX
The Fire Brigade, assisted by a large committee, are busy working out details for
successfully carrying out the roasting and distribution of the ox, which is to be given
by Lord Downshire. The Mayor has lent the banqueting table, but the loan of other
tables and trestles is asked. Various friends have promised donations, etc., in kind.

“My alter ego,” as the chicken said when it saw Mackintosh’s Egg and Milk Toffee

th
Sat 24 June
CORONATION FESTIVITIES AT WOKINGHAM
ROASTING AN OX IN THE MARKET PLACE
Very full and elaborate preparation had been made at Wokingham for the loyal and
enthusiastic celebration of Coronation Day, and with the principal traders closing their
shops on Thursday and Friday the inhabitants generally gave themselves up to merry-
making. The proceedings in connection with the festivities commenced at 7.30 a.m.
and continued without intermission until 12 p.m. The weather was showery, but
nevertheless large crowds assembled at the various functions. The arrangements
which proved most successful, were made and carried out under the direction of
various committees. Mr. Arthur T. Heelas was the principal organising hon. secretary
doing the lion’s share of the work.
The town was lavishly decorated for the event and several of the houses and shops
of the principal residents and tradesmen were most effective. The Decoration
Committee, in order to induce the inhabitants to decorate their houses and thereby add
to the general gaiety, offered special prizes for the best decorated and illuminated
house or premises and for the best decorated and luminous cottage.
Flags and streamers and 60 fir trees placed in tubs, draped with the Coronation
colours-red, white and blue-formed the scheme of decoration arranged by the
Committee for the Market-place. In the hands of members of the Fire Brigade was
placed the control of the decorations of the Fire Station and the concert stage erected
near. Mr. A.W. Poppy provided the fir trees.
At 7.30 the morning was heralded by merry peals from the bells of All Saints’ and
St. Paul’s Churches, and at 10.15 there were special services at both churches, the
Rectors (the Rev. Bertram Long and the Rev. H.M. Walter) respectively officiating.
The Mayor (Mr. H.C. Mylne) with members of the Corporation and the various

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