Page 554 - Reading Mercury

health was drunk, Alderman Priest remarking: “Better luck next time, and we wish
you all the best of luck.”
Thus was Miss Spooner welcomed back to Wokingham.
NO PLANS FOR FUTURE FLIGHTS
Miss Spooner afterwards told a representative of this paper that she had no plans for
future flights at present. Regarding the rumours which were circulated that Miss
Spooner was a passenger on the ill-fated R 101, she said: “I cannot understand how
that should come to be said. I have heard of many enquiries asking if I am still alive.
Perhaps this official welcome will establish the fact that I am really alive.”
It was revealed, however, that Miss Spooner took Sir Sefton Brancker from Ipswich
to Cardington by air for him to join the airship, and she was one of the last to speak to
him before the vessel left. She was a personal friend of Sir Sefton and had frequently
piloted ‘planes in which he made journeys.

1931
th
Sat 17 Jan
MISS WINIFRED SPOONER FINED
Why She Likes Flying
The air-woman, Miss Winifred Evelyn Spooner, of 4, South Drive, Wokingham was
summoned at the Reading Borough Bench on Wednesday for leaving her car longer
than necessary, and also for having no front of rear lights. She admitted all three
offences.
P.C. Seager said he saw the car standing in Broad Street, Reading, at four o’clock.
At 4.30 it was still there and he placed a warning notice in it. The lights were not
switched on, and lighting-up time was nine minutes previous to this. Defendant did
not return to the car until 5.45. When she was told that she would be reported Miss
Spooner replied, “I have been reported here before for the same offence. I suppose
you must report me, I am used to it.”
Miss Spooner apologised for the offence and said she was doing business and forgot
the time.
Supt. Osborne said there were no previous motoring offences recorded against Miss
Spooner in Reading.
The chairman, E.O. Farrer, Esq. “And none in the air?”
Miss Spooner, “There were no policemen in the air. That’s why I like it.”
She was fined 30s. on the first summons and 8s. for having no lights.

th
Sat 7 Feb.
DEATH OF THE REV. H.M. WALTER
35 Years at Wokingham.
RURAL DEAN’S GLOWING TRIBUTE
The Rector of St. Paul’s, Wokingham, the Rev. Henry Major Walter, M.A., a son of
the late John Walter, of Bear Wood, passed away on Saturday morning at 11.30,
having succumbed to an attack of bronchitis. On the preceding Sunday week he
officiated at his church and preached. A few days later he was laid aside with the
th
illness that proved fatal. He was 81 years of age having been born on January 15 ,
1850. He was educated at Eton and Oriel College, Oxford. He was ordained priest in
1878, and, after serving at Ramsgate and St. George’s, Hanover Square, he was
appointed Rector of Bear Wood in 1891. In 1896 he became Rector of St. Paul’s,
Wokingham, where he faithfully served for 35 years. He married in 1876 Charlotte
Isabella Anson, who, with their son and two daughters, survive him.

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