Page 440 - Reading Mercury

At a meeting held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, Miss Talbot gave an
earnest address to the large number of women present. A musical programme
followed, contributed to by Miss Locke, Mrs. Bousfield, and Mrs. Roberts, violin
solo; and Miss Sturges, reading.

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Sat 13 Feb
OUTBREAK OF FIRE
On Sunday morning a fire broke out at the office at the Saw Mills, destroying
several piles of documents, spoiling a typewriter, burning a large portion of
wainscoting, and cracking nearly every window pane. It is supposed that a wooden
box of cinders inadvertently placed under a table became ignited, and a foreman
coming to see to his horses, noticed the flames, which were soon subdued.

DEPARTURE OF TROOPS
Large numbers of townspeople assembled on Tuesday to give a hearty “send off” to
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the 10 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and the Durham Light Infantry, who left
their local billets for Aldershot. The Colonel of the Durhams called for three cheers
from his men for “the kindly people of Wokingham,” and at the call of the Rector, the
Rev. B. Long, cheers were given for the troops. On the previous evening at the St.
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Paul’s Parish Room, the 7 and 8 platoons of the 10 Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers
presented the Rev. E. G. Drummond with a pipe, in case, and tobacco, and Mr. W.T.
Martin with a silver-mounted walking stick, as a token of appreciation of what these
gentlemen had done on their behalf. Cheers were given for Miss G. Simmons and the
ladies who had helped her with the teas. At the Wesleyan Church, where provision
had also been made for the men, a similar meeting was held. The Rector, the Rev. B.
Long, and the Mayor, Ald. H.C. Mylne, as well as Councillor W.T. Martin, wished
the men God-speed and a safe return at a gathering held at the Town Hall.

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Sat 27 Feb
A PRECAUTION
Public lamps in the borough are now being darkened at the top as a precaution in the
case of air raids by the Germans.

Miss Elizabeth Dalley of the Terrace died on Saturday. She was a daughter of the late
Mr. E. Dalley.

Sat 27th March
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5 BATTALION ROYAL BERKS AT WOKINGHAM
On Saturday afternoon, amid some excitement, upwards of 2,000 men, with 60
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officers, of the 5 Berks and the 7 Norfolks marched into the town to their billets,
which they will occupy for ten days. The men looked particularly fit after their march
from Aldershot and their skirmishing from Eversley. The “cease fire” sounded at
“Hagville.” After a short rest with “packs off” the two battalions marched into the
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town, the 5 Berks leading, headed by their capital band (drums and fifes, the gift of
the county. They were greeted with a cheer as they entered Denmark Street. The
church parade on Sunday morning attracted attention. The Drill Hall with its capital
arrangements is still going strong, under the direction of the deputy-mayor (Mr. W.T.
Martin), as are also the club rooms at Montague House and the Wesleyan schoolroom.
There is considerable talent among the men of the Norfolks, and the entertainments at

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