Page 648 - Reading Mercury

taking place, with regard to A.R.P. in the Wokingham Rural District, were explained
to those interested.
Prior to September of last year, very little progress was made with reference to
A.R.P. in the Wokingham Rural District, but since that date a fair margin of success
has been attained in the organisation of the District, into Head Wardens’ areas and
Posts, also with regard to the Medical Services. Considerable strides regarding the
personnel for such duties, and their training, have also been made.
To take the above in order, it should be explained that the Wokingham Rural, 70
square miles in extent, has been divided into 14 areas, each under the jurisdiction of a
Head Warden. Such areas roughly correspond with Parish boundaries, but in one or
two instances have been joined under one Head Warden.
The full complement of Head Wardens has been enrolled and trained, and in most
cases their deputies have been nominated. Those areas have been subdivided into
Senior Wardens’ Posts, of which there are 70 in the district, each under the
supervision of Senior Wardens, and each of the latter has under him the necessary
number of wardens who look after the interests of the small area allotted to him.
The number of Wardens who have been enrolled in the Wokingham Rural District,
is approximately 400, whilst the number required with reliefs, in case of emergency,
is 350. It will be noted therefore, that we are already working towards a potential
reserve.
Of the above Wardens the following are the figures regarding training:-
Trained 260
In training 85
Untrained 46

Now turn to the medical services, each Head Warden’s area is provided with a
certain number of First Aid Points, ie a place where minor injuries can be attended by
personnel which has been trained in First Aid and Anti-gas.
Of these First Aid Points, there are 35 in the District. In addition to these Points a
First Aid Post is being established at Earley, also 6 First Aid Parties will be stationed
at Earley, and 2 at Twyford. These Parties will be utilised for removing casualties
from the Streets to First Aid Posts or Hospitals.
The personnel at present enrolled with reference to the Medical side of the A.R.P. in
the Wokingham Rural District is nearly 350, and our total requirements for these
services, together with reliefs, is approximately 450, so it will be noted that at least
100 more volunteers for First Aid duties are required.
Volunteers in First Aid for A.R.P. undergo training in both First Aid and Anti-gas,
which consists of a minimum of 6 lectures in each, with a week’s interval between
each lecture, and a small examination on both subjects. It will be seen therefore, that
to complete the training for First Aid, the minimum time required is three months. All
persons enrolled for A.R.P. First Aid, in this district, are undergoing training. In
addition, many who are unable to join the A.R.P. for various reasons, are attending the
lectures, thus obtaining knowledge which may be invaluable in time of crisis.
In addition to the above, the Wardens are carrying out a census of the
accommodation available in the district, with respect to refugees from the danger
areas in times of stress.
Over 22,000 gas respirators have been issued to the public. The remaining 4,000
which will complete the protection of the total population (other than babies) will be
issued in the course of the next fortnight.

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