Page 727 - Reading Mercury

Even in his present job he has found variety. After being for two years in charge of
diving operations, his present daily routine may find him doing a relief for the present
diving officer, supervising targets for firing practice, conducting examinations for
ratings in search of promotion, and performing a host of other duties contributing to
the efficient administration of a naval base.
The service tradition of the family is being maintained by Boatswain Potter’s own
son and daughters. His son is in the Navy, his eldest daughter is a Queen Alexandra’s
nurse in West Africa, and his two youngest daughters, who are still at school, are
enthusiastic war workers.

th
Sat 11 Dec
EX-PRISONER TELLS OF EXPERIENCE
Capt. G.P. Grundy, formerly a prisoner-of-war in Germany visited the Church Army
Hut on Thursday, when he told of his experiences. The Mayor presided. Capt. Grundy
paid a tribute to the Red Cross for the work they are doing to make life easier for a
prisoner-of-war. He said he had seen whilst a prisoner, the R.A.F. bombing several
towns and it had to be seen to be believed.

Fri 31st Dec
DEATH OF MISS M. B. ELLISON
St. Paul’s Parish Church loses an Ardent and Generous Supporter
In the death of Miss Mary Blanche Ellison of the “Elms”, Wokingham, at the age of
83, the Parish of St. Paul loses one of its most prominent supporters. Miss Ellison who
would have celebrated her 84th birthday on Christmas eve, was the elder of two
surviving sisters of a well-known Wokingham family, who have lived in the town
since 1880.
She and her sister have always taken a great interest in the work of St. Paul’s
Mothers’ meetings, which have met regularly for many years at the Elms. The work
of the Missionary Association, has always received the Misses Ellison’s enthusiastic
support, and the grounds of their house, were always thrown open for the St. Paul’s
Annual Fete, garden parties, and shows for various local deserving causes.
Miss Ellison is survived by her sister, Miss Maggie Ellison. The funeral service was
conducted at St. Paul’s Church on Wednesday, by the Rector, the Rev. P.H. Scott,
M.A., assisted by the Rev. D.T.R. Carlin (curate), Rev. Gordon Kenworthy, Rector of
All Saints’, and the Rev. Ellison, R.N.V.R., Naval Chaplain (cousin of the deceased).
(list of mourners)

ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR THE FORCES
Following a meeting of representatives of the various voluntary organisations, and
others, convened by the Mayor (Cllr. G.A. Cheeseman) at the Town Hall on
Wednesday of last week, proposed plans for facilities to entertain and provide
recreation in Wokingham for visiting members of the Forces were discussed.
From the large number of people present, a committee was f formed, comprising the
Mayor (Chairman) Dr. E. Smith (Sec.), Mrs. Thomas, Miss Finch, the Rev. S. Brunt,
Cllr. F. Perkins and Cllr. F. Moles. The Deputy Mayor (Ald. E.W. Reeves) was co-
opted.
Since the first meeting, the Committee have assembled on four occasions, and the
proposed plans have now been decided upon. The Town Hall will be available every
Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. for an informal gathering of all members of the armed

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