Page 736 - Reading Mercury

raised, thus smashing the target of £350,000 by £11,000. The small saver has once
again contributed generously, and it is estimated that at least £72,500 has come in
from Post Offices and Groups. The Banks’ returns show a figure of £319,800.
Free Gifts to the Nation (£850), were not as great as in the previous campaigns due
possibly to the difficulties of organising entertainments. The Borough raised the sum
of £170,875 and .the amount contributed as a Free Gift to the Nation was £101 2 5.
The organisers
The work of organising the campaign has reflected the highest credit upon those
who so willingly gave their services. It would be impossible to give mention of all
these enthusiastic workers, but special mention is deserved for a few whose efforts
have been so successful.
The Hon. Organising Secretary, Mrs. J. Baxter, has played a major part in the
smooth running of the campaign; Mr. F. W. Davis as the Hon. Treasurer has
accomplished his task of co-ordinating the steady flow of thousands of pounds from
Groups, Banks and Post Offices into their requisite channels, very successfully for the
second year in succession.
Mr. W. Rands and Mr. W. Illott deserve special comment for the way in which the
opening display and Sunday’s procession was organised, in addition to the general
entertainment arrangements of the week.
The Mayor, for his patient and willing co-operation in visiting the numerous special
events of the week and off erring his words of encouragement; the staffs of the banks
and Post Offices in coping with the burden of this additional work, on their already
depleted staffs.
And finally to those who responded so magnificently to the ‘Salute the Soldier’ call,
by loaning their money to the country at this all-important phase of the war.
Our men abroad will have the greatest pride in reading that their town or village in
the Wokingham and Rural District has accomplished such a splendid achievement.

th
Fri 30 June
WOKINGHAM AND DISTRICT EXCEED THEIR TARGET
The Soldier Saluted With £460,000 [and still more coming]
Wokingham and District ‘Salute the Soldier’ campaign has been successfully
accomplished, and the final figures at present available, show that £460,000 has been
raised, thus smashing the target of £350,000 by £11,000.
The small saver has once again contributed generously, and it is estimated that at
least £72,500 has come in from Post Offices and Groups. The Banks’ returns show a
figure of £319,800.
Free gifts to the Nation (£850), were not as great as in the previous campaigns, due
possibly, to the difficulties of organising entertainments.
The Borough raised the sum of £170,875 and the amount contributed as a Free Gift
to the Nation was £101, 2s. 5d.
The Organisers
The work of organising the campaign has reflected the highest credit upon those
who so willingly gave their services. It would be impossible to give mention of all
these enthusiastic workers, but special mention is deserved for a few whose efforts
have been so successful.
The Hon. Organising Secretary, Mrs. J. Baxter, has played a major part in the
smooth running of the campaign; Mr. F.W. Davis as the Hon. Treasurer has
accomplished his task of co-ordinating the steady flow of thousands of pounds from

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