Page 434 - Reading Mercury

afternoon. He had known the Brigade since its formation, now nearly 40 years ago
and he was very pleased to see what a great step forward it had made. (Applause.)
When they came to think of it, it was rather out of date when they received a call from
some five miles or so in the country to have to hunt about in order to find horses. He
was sure they were all pleased to know that a good portion of the sum had already
been provided, which would enable the motor engine to be purchased, and so enable
the Brigade to become more and more efficient when called to a fire. The men
certainly ought to be efficient under such an excellent Chief Officer, and he was sure
the town had reason to be proud of the Brigade. (Applause).
He remembered that when the Brigade was first formed under their old friend, Mr.
John Briginshaw, who he was glad to know was still alive, they went to Chiswick and
created surprise by carrying off the chief honours at the competition there. The
inhabitants of Wokingham most cordially sympathised with the Brigade in the efforts
they were making to secure the new motor engine, and he should like to acknowledge
the debt which the townspeople owed to the members who gave up their business and
pleasure at the call of duty. (Applause.). They set them all an excellent example, and
he wished the Brigade every success. (Applause.)
Deputy Chief Officer F. Caiger and Lieutenant A. Goswell, on behalf of the
members of the Brigade, tendered their grateful thanks to Lord Downshire for all the
kindness he had shown them in the past, and for the great assistance he had rendered
in raising a fund for their new motor engine. The latter remarked that Lord
Downshire’s household had contributed £160 to the fund. They knew that when their
Captain took the matter up it was bound to be a success. (Applause.)
Little Miss and Master Bokenham having presented to the Marchioness of
Downshire a choice bouquet of orchids, supplied by Messrs. E.H. Davidson and Co.,
of Twyford.
The Marchioness said she felt it a great honour to have been asked to open that
bazaar. She hoped it would be a great success, because she knew how earnestly and
thoroughly they had all worked to try and make it so, and what a splendid cause it was
for. She had great pleasure in declaring the bazaar open. (Applause.)
Colonel Fox, Chief Officer of the London Salvage Corps, in thanking Lady
Downshire for opening the bazaar, said he thought Wokingham was a very lucky
town. They possessed a smart Brigade and were very fortunate to have such charming
ladies, headed by the Marchioness of Downshire, to assist at a bazaar of that kind on
behalf of funds for a new motor engine. Of course it was for the good of the
townspeople generally to have as efficient Brigade, and they were extremely fortunate
in having as the Chief Officer the Marquis of Downshire, who not only knew his
work, but did it well. (Applause.)
He was recognised in the National Fire Brigade Union as an officer who took a very
great interest in the work. (Hear, hear.) Colonel Fox also paid a tribute to the
efficiency of the Brigade and thanked Fireman Harold Watts (the hon. Secretary) for
all he had done.
The sale then commenced. Concerts took place during the afternoon and evening
and the total takings of the whole event amounted to £124 1s 3½d.

Sat 6th June
th
Mr W Chambers, Sergeant-at-Mace died in Australia. (Sydney Daily Telegraph 28
April) Taralga. William Chambers who arrived recently from England died suddenly
at the Goodbron Hospital today. The late Mr W Chambers was well-known as a
caterer at Wokingham and Wellington College. He served in the Volunteers and

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