Page 494 - Reading Mercury

after some fifty years’ service. He joined the bank in 1875, and served in Aylesbury,
Rosslyn, Reading, Southend and Catford before coming to Wokingham to open a
branch in 1905. Before that, 34 years ago, he first opened a sub-branch in the Market
Place, coming out for that purpose from Reading one day a week.
Mr. McEwan married in 1912 Miss Jessie Stott, second daughter of Mrs. Stott, of
Aberdeen. Mr. McEwan has, during his stay in Wokingham made many friends, who
are sorry to lose him from among them. He was always most attentive to business and
to the interests of the bank’s clients.
The successor to Mr. R. McEwan is Mr. H. C. Ingle, who comes from the Oxford
branch of the London and Westminster Bank.

FORMATION OF LIBERAL ASSOCIATION
The newly-formed Liberal Association met in the Town Hall on Saturday for the
purpose of adopting rules and electing officers. The temporary committee held a
meeting before the larger gathering, Mr. W.P. Tucker presiding. He also occupied the
chair for the large meeting. It was decided to name the association “The Wokingham
and District Branch of the South Berks Liberal Association.” Mr. W.P. Tucker was
unanimously elected president of the association on the proposition of Mr. T.W.
Hawkins, seconded by Mr. H. Goswell. It was decided to have 20 vice-presidents,
including Mr. Harold Stranger M.P., and Mrs. Stranger. Mr. George Cheeseman was
elected treasurer, and Miss Griffin and Mr. G. Hall hon. secretaries. An executive
committee and two hon. auditors were also elected. An address was then given by the
Rev. David Pughe, of Reading.

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Sat 15 March
THE DEMOLITION OF BILLINGBEAR MANSION
The famous Billingbear Mansion is now in the hands of the house-breakers. (1) Oak
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and walnut fireplace in hall (early 18 century) (2) Main entrance to Billingbear built
in 1569 (3) Lead rainwater pipe head with coat of arms, 1725 (4) Main staircase in
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oak (early 18 century) (5) Turret clock by John Davis of Windsor dated 1756, maker
of the clock in Windsor Curfew Tower.

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Sat 12 April
FIRE BRIGADE
Dr. H.F. Curl has accepted the position of hon. surgeon to the Wokingham Fire
Brigade.

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Sat 19 April
THE FIRE BRIGADE
A subscription list under the name of Wokingham Fire Brigade Recognition fund
has been opened in Wokingham for the purchase of a light motor fire engine, and the
expenses of the celebration. For many years the brigade has rendered invaluable
service to the town and district.

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Sat 17 May
DEATH OF MAJOR DE VITRE
It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death (early on Tuesday
morning), of Major Denis F. De Vitre, of Keep Hatch, Wokingham, who has been in
failing health for some time. Major De Vitre was the only son of the late Rev. G.E.
Denis De Vitre, who built Keep Hatch, and then lived there for some years. Major De

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