Page 668 - Reading Mercury

Now that adequate air-raid protection has been provided for students, and steps have
been taken to ensure observance of the lighting restrictions in the buildings, the
Wokingham local committee has decided to re-open the Evening Institute at the
st
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Wescott Road Council School. On Monday and Tuesday, November 20 and 21 , the
Institute will be open from 7-9 p.m., and it is most important that intending students
should enrol on one or other of those evenings. If a sufficient demand is found to
exist, classes will be formed for arithmetic, art, book-keeping, building, construction,
commercial geography, English, French, German, shorthand, type-writing and
woodwork.

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Sat 25 Nov
THE CLOSING OF SHOPS
A meeting of tradesmen was held at the Town Hall on Thursday, convened by the
Mayor, to discuss the hours of closing shops in the town. The meeting was
representative and after full discussion it was decided by 21 votes to 19 that a
recommendation be made that shops be shut at 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and
Thursday, 1 p.m. on Wednesday, and 7.30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The matter
will be raised at the meeting of the Town Council next Thursday.

WOKINGHAM ANIMAL A.R.P.
Those who are interested in the work of the Wokingham Animal A.R.P. will be
pleased to hear that the first-aid post at Simonside, London Road, is now ready. The
equipment comprises a humane killer, a lethal chamber for small dogs, and a smaller
box for cats, the last-named a gift from the R.S.P.C.A. A cat-catcher, stretcher,
blankets, drugs and dressings have also been prepared for emergencies. Miss Carr will
be pleased to show the post to anyone interested.

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Sat 30 Dec
FOR DR. BARNARDO’S
Members of the Barnardo Helpers’ League and Watchtower Society were unable to
go carol-singing, due to black-out conditions. A collection was made at houses where
carols are usually sung, and this amounted to £3 9s. This, with other donations,
bringing the total to £4 9s., has been sent to Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, also a parcel of
clothes and toys.

THE RITZ
A drama of thwarted love and family hatred is unfolded in, “Wuthering Heights,”
which is showing for the first three days at the Ritz Cinema, Wokingham, next week.
“Arf A Mo’, Hitler” is the title of the second film. P.C. Wren’s well-known novel,
“Beau Geste,” is being screened for the latter end of the week. Gary Cooper takes the
title role, and Heather Thatcher is cast as the aunt and guardian of the three Geste
brothers. When a famous jewel, which is left in her care, disappears, the three brothers
join the Foreign Legion, and their adventures make a thrilling picture. Brian Donlevy
is powerful and realistic as a brutal sergeant, whilst Ray Milland and Robert Preston
appear as the other two Geste brothers. There is a full supporting programme.

EVACUEES ENTERTAINED
On Boxing Day the Town Hall was filled when evacuee children were the guests of
the Mayor (Cllr. E.W. Reeves). A varied programme was arranged by Mr. Percy
Fuller and the Mayor and Mayoress were present with their granddaughter, Julie. Mr.

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