Page 553 - Reading Mercury

accomplished something even greater, when in the performance of a deed of valour
and by sheer pluck and endurance she made such a gallant effort secure help to save
the life of her companion. Such an effort, knowing the circumstances as we do calls
for the highest admiration and praise, and we are proud to say she belongs to
Wokingham. In any further flying attempt or attempts she may make we offer her our
sincerest good wishes, and wish her the best of luck and good fortune. Moving spirits
have been actively engaged during the past week, endeavouring to bring this about,
and determined if anyhow possible that a welcome should be given.
Throughout the land, men, women and children have read. the recent story of
courage and grit displayed by Miss Spooner, and the town of Wokingham, I have
found, wished to pay tribute to one whose bravery "and daring have thrilled the world.
Can we picture to ourselves the scene, when the aeroplane carrying this gallant lady
and her companion crashed into the .sea, the long waiting for help, and then, risking
all dangers, the decision to swim for assistance? Truly an act of supreme bravery.
Wokingham can proudly claim its share of heroes and heroines—in more ways than
one—of those who have been closely associated with our town. We think of Mr.
A.P.F. Chapman, that great English cricket captain, Miss Joan Fry, that great tennis
player, and now in a more serious direction, Miss Winifred Spooner. My only hope is
that for anything I have said today, Miss Spooner will not be kind enough to invite me
to take a flight, as I am not at all keen on taking to the air.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to join with me in true English fashion in three
hearty cheers for the daring and plucky lady we are honouring today?” Led by the
Mayor, resounding cheers were given.

MISS SPOONER ON HER FAILURE
Replying, Miss Spooner said: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your
marvellous welcome and for all the extraordinarily nice and complimentary things
which the Mayor has said about me, which I feel that I do not in the least deserve. I
am afraid I look on my recent effort as a failure as I did not accomplish what I set out
to do, and all these remarks which you have made make me feel somewhat of an
imposter, especially as there was no actual decision on my part to swim ashore. Fate
decreed that I should come to the surface before the plane, and as there was nothing to
cling to there was nothing else for me to do but swim to the shore. However I do
really thank you for your welcome.”
At an informal gathering in the Council Chamber, Miss Spooner, who was
accompanied by her brother, Capt. F.V. Spooner, had the members of the council and
the fire brigade presented to her by the Mayor. At the Mayor’s call Miss Spooner’s

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