Page 586 - Reading Mercury

Alderman A.E. Priest said he really felt that instead of receiving such kindness, he
ought to be presenting a testimonial to the townspeople. Everybody had shown him
unbounded kindness, and he wondered what he had done to deserve such recognition.
He should treasure their gift as long as he lived. He had many friends in Wokingham
four years ago. Today he had a much larger circle of friends. They could not have
chosen a better gift. From a boy he had been associated with sport of the town; he was
secretary of St. Paul’s boys’ cricket Club, and until a few years ago was connected
with the cricket club. He had played on many occasions as centre forward for
Wokingham Town F.C. He was pleased to be connected with the social life of the
town. He was deeply touched that the members of the unemployed had contributed.
He would continue to do all he could on their behalf.
Rough Time During the Last Year
References had been made to the rough time of his last year of office, and to his
boxing abilities; there had been times when he would have clearly loved to exercise
that art. It had been a great experience for one’s patience. He hoped that no Mayor
would ever be called upon to do what he had to do.
Musical honours were accorded to Mr. Priest, and cheers for the late Mayoress.
Mr. Moore thanked Dr. Curl for the able way in which he had presided.

1934

th
Sat 6 Jan.
STRAY PIGS
At the Wokingham Borough Bench on Tuesday, Frank White of Model Farm,
Wokingham, was fined 5s. for allowing two pigs to stray on the highway.

MIDNIGHT RINGING
The Old Year was “tolled out” and the New Year “rung in” on the bells of All
Saints’, the ringing band included three local ladies, the Misses J. Blackman, A. Baker
and G. Baker.

FOR N.S.P.C.C.
Arranged by Miss Joyce Fry, hon. secretary of the Wokingham (Junior) Branch,
N.S.P.C.C., a capital New Year’s Day dance was held (by permission of Miss R.C.
Smith, principal) in the hall of Grosvenor School. A sum of £3 6s. 6d. was realised.

FOR THE WAIFS AND STRAYS
The “red bag” collection in connection with the Christmas tree in All saints’ church,
realised the very satisfactory sum of £9 3s; the amount has been forwarded to the
Church of England Waifs and Strays Society.

CAROL SERVICES
On Sunday evening, carol services were held in the churches in the town—at All
Saints’ (Mr. A. Yould, F.R.C.O., organist), St. Paul’s (Mr. F.A. Burgess), and at the
Baptist Church, Milton Road (Mr. F.C. Griffin, A.R.C.O.). In each case the singing of
the carols was a delight to the large congregation. The Methodist congregation (Rose
Street), by invitation, attended the Baptist service.

584