Page 510 - Reading Mercury

The new up to date fire engine was delivered on Wednesday by the makers, Dennis
Bros. of Guildford.

THE FIRE BRIGADE BUSY
The Fire Brigade, under their new Chief Officer, Captain W.B. Martin, received
during December an exceptional number of calls, eight in all. These included an
attendance at “Mertonford,” the residence of Mr. Eric Simonds, and another at
Shinfield grange; in each case a chimney had caught fire. There was a fire at
Arborfield Manor, and a serious outbreak at the Angora Rabbit Farm, and a call was
received to the Co-operative Stores, Market Place, Wokingham, where a joist under a
hearth was alight. Other occasions included a fire in a motor garage at Mr. King’s,
baker, Binfield; a chimney on fire at “Russley,” Finchampstead Road, while a petrol
pump and a motor lorry burst into flames at the premises of the Gush Transport Co.
premises at Yateley.

BRITISH LEGION’S CHILDREN’S PARTY
The sixth annual tea and party to war orphans and members’ children was given by
the local branch of the British Legion in their new hall on Saturday. There was a large
attendance, some 160 children being present. The arrangements were in the hands of
the sports committee, of which General M. Grant Wilkinson is the popular chairman
and Mr. A. Andrews the hon. secretary. Mrs M. Webb was in charge of the tea, and
there were numerous helpers. The hall was prettily decorated. The tea was a bountiful
one, while crackers were provided. Games, etc., followed the tea, these being led by
Mr. D. Goddard. Others who assisted with songs, etc., were Mr. Gerald Webb, Mr.
“Wiffles” Westlake, Mr. P.H. Fuller, etc. Miss Edna Worrall’s child songs and dances
were greatly admired. A Christmas tree, given by the Marquis of Downshire and
loaded with presents, completed the bill of fare, General and Mrs. Wilkinson
superintending the distribution of the presents. Among those present were the Mayor
and Mayoress (Admiral J.B. Eustace), J.P., and Mrs. Eustace), General A.H. Eustace,
Miss Tatham, Miss Wakelow, Miss D. Sale, the committee and their friends. Later in
the evening the annual members’ social was held. Games and dancing were indulged
in, and a capital programme was sustained by the artistes already named, also by
Messrs. C. Thatcher, W. Sear and D. Goddard, the accompaniments being shared by
Mrs. Sear, Miss M. Webb and Mr. P.H. Fuller.

FESTIVITIES AT WOKINGHAM
During the Christmas season the employees of Messrs. Sale and Son, the well-
known seedsmen of Wokingham took part in two very enjoyable events organised by
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the directors. On Saturday, December 24 , a cross-country paper chase was run, about
20 of the staff and their friends turning out. Messrs. S.E. and O.R.C. Sale went out as
“hares,” and the trail was taken up at an interval of five minutes by the ladies and five
minutes later by the men. The course taken by the “hares” was an arduous one over
rough country and through woods, approximately six miles being covered. With two
exceptions all the runners finished the course. Tea awaited them on their return to
Messrs. Sales Market Place premises. The winners were:-Ladies: 1, Miss W.
Kennedy; 2, Miss E. Kennedy; 3, Miss D. Allan. Gentlemen: 1, Mr. W. Eggleton; 2,
Mr. Kennedy; 3, Mr. D. Holland.

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Sat 19 Feb
EMBROOK WHIST DRIVE

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