Page 557 - Reading Mercury

The growth of the telephone service necessitated by the rapid expansion of the town
and neighbourhood has rendered necessary the provision of a new exchange and the
opportunity has been taken to install a new type of equipment known as the “Central
Battery.” Under this system, the removal by the subscriber of the receiver from its rest
calls the exchange and its replacement gives a clearing signal. This new exchange has
a capacity to accommodate a maximum of 1,500 subscriber lines.
Messrs. E.C. Hughes and Co., Wokingham, were the builders, their works foreman,
Mr. W, Band, of Wokingham, putting in excellent work. The removal of the old
exchange will enable the demolition of the remaining old premises to be proceeded
with when a new building for public use will be erected in the street front.
Electric lighting has been installed by the Yorktown (Camberley) and District Gas
and Electricity Company. The Post Master has invited subscribers to inspect, by
arrangement with him, the new premises.

th
Sat 30 May
MEMORIAL BOWLING GREEN
Handsome Gift to Wokingham Club
OPENING BY MRS. HOWARD PALMER
The opening of the Howard Palmer Bowling Green (attached to the Wokingham
Club) was performed on Wednesday by-Mrs. Howard Palmer, widow of the former
president of the club. The need for a full-sized bowling green for the club has long
been felt, and the necessary ground was purchased by the president of the club, Mr.
R.H.R. Palmer, and the cost of laying it down defrayed by his mother, Mrs. Howard
Palmer.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were the Mayor and Mayoress of
Wokingham (Ald. And Mrs. A.E. Priest), Sir Leslie Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. R.H.R.
Palmer, Mr. G.H. Dowty (chairman of the Executive Committee), Mrs. F.A. Simonds,
Mr. and Mrs. Cronshaw, Mr. Noel Sutton, Mr. S. Beale, the Rev. H. Collier, Admiral
J.B. Eustace, Mr. J. H. Elliston Clifton, Dr. H.F. Curl, Ald. M. Blake, Mr. Swann, Mr.
W. Dimbleby, Mr. F. Palmer, Mr. H. Watts, Mr. C.A. Bullett, Mr. A.E. Hall and many
others. Mrs. Howard Palmer was introduced to the members of the executive and
bowling committees.
Mr. Howard Palmer’s Example
Mr. Dowty extended a welcome to all those present, and Sir Leslie Wilson then
formally invited Mrs. Palmer to declare the green open. In doing so, he said they were
essentially a very friendly town, and there was no one who did more to promote the
social amenities of the town and district tan the late Mr. Howard Palmer. He gave a
great deal of time in assisting the town and district, and no more striking example was
to be found than that club. He purchased the present club premises, and, as president,
added a billiards room and concert hall. One of their desires was to have a bowling
green, and for that purpose Mr. R.H.R. Palmer purchased the ground, while Mrs.
Howard Palmer was responsible for the laying out of it.
Mrs. Howard Palmer then declared the green open and bowled the first wood.
Mr. Dowty thanked Mrs. Palmer for opening the green and for all she had done. He
expressed thanks to Mr. R.H.R. Palmer and congratulated him upon his appointment
as joint Master of the Garth Hunt. He also thanked Sir Leslie Wilson and Mr. Frank
Palmer and his men for the work they had done in erecting the pavilion.
A SURPRISE
Miss Eileen Watts then emerged from a large coloured ball on the green and
presented mounted silver jacks to Mrs. Howard Palmer and Mr. R.H.R. Palmer.

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