Page 737 - Reading Mercury

Groups, Banks and Post Offices into their requisite channels, very successfully for the
second year in succession.
Mr. W. Rands and Mr. W. Ilott 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 offering words of encouragement; the staffs of the banks and
Post Offices in coping with the burden of this additional work, on their already
demanding 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 of village in
the Wokingham and Rural District has accomplishes such a splendid achievement.

th
Sat 12 Aug
PRESENTATION
Over three years ago 40 cigarette cases, inscribed with the crest of Wokingham,
were presented to the relatives of men who were in the evacuation from Dunkirk. On
Friday last week, at the Town Hall, the Mayor, Cllr. G.A. Cheeseman presented Mrs.
Dixon, of Barkham Road, Wokingham, with a silver cigarette case as Wokingham’s
tribute to her husband Gunner Dixon, R.A. who lost his life at Dunkirk. Miss Benson,
organiser of the idea of giving the cases, was not able to be present.

th
Sat 19 Aug
MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES
The “London Gazette” announces that Sgt. Leslie Eric Nibbs, R.A.F., son of Mr.
and Mrs. C.A. Nibbs, Hobart Place, Wokingham, was mentioned in dispatches. Sgt.
Nibbs is 25, and before joining the R.A.F. worked as an engineer at Wokingham.

AWARDED THE D.F.C.
The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flight Lieut. Cecil John
Fleetwood Murray Pike R.A.F.V.R., No. 180 Squadron. The officer has completed a
tour of operations during which he showed at all times courage and determination.
Under his leadership the efficiency and morale of his flight has been raised to a very
high level.
Born in 1910 in Monkstown, Belfast, Flt. Lt. Pike’s home is at Wokingham. He was
educated at Glyngarth, Cheltenham, Clifton College, Bristol; and Reading University.
He enlisted for air crew in 1940and was commissioned in 1941, and is entitled to wear
the ribbon of the 1939 Star.

nd
Sat 2 Sep
SALVATION ARMY
For the first time in the history of the Salvation Army the West London Division
Office, Salvation Army, met in conference in Wokingham Town Hall on Thursday,
under the leadership of Lt. Col. Pennick, Divisional Commander North London
Division.—The Salvation Army ran a jumble sale on Saturday in aid of the New
Building Fund.

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