Page 758 - Reading Mercury

Children of Seaford Road built a large bonfire with an effigy of Tojo dressed in
colourful robes sitting upon a chair on its apex. At dusk this became a roaring inferno,
Tojo being consumed by the flames, accompanied by the frenzied cheers of the
children.
Bonfires and street dancing continued throughout the entire evening in various parts
of the town, Waterloo Road being a particularly effective scene. Houses were floodlit
and also festooned with fairy lamps, while a large crowd of dancers—both young and
old—made merry to the music supplied by Mr. John Goswell’s radio rhythm

st
Sat 21 July
NAVAL AWARD
For distinguished service during offensive operations with the Allied Armies over a
period from November 1944 to January 1945, Marine Frederick Peberdy, R.M.
Ch.X107053 (Wokingham) has been mentioned in dispatches.

FETE AT COUNTY GIRLS’ SCHOOL
A fete was held in the grounds of Wokingham County Girls’ School, on
Wednesday, in aid of the British Sailors’ Society. Presented by the combined efforts
of the school and pupils, every corner of the spacious grounds was utilised by novel
side shows, stalls, and competitions. Refreshments were organised and served by Mrs.
E. Thomas, Mrs. G. Martin and helpers. The stalls were manned by the girls.
Following tea, pupils of the school performed scenes from Shakespeare’s “The
Tempest.” The play was produced by Miss E. Hope.

th
Sat 4 Aug
WING COMMANDER’S WORK
Landing very early on D Day at the Normandy beach-head, Wing Commander Brian
Armiger (27) of Wokingham has served continuously on the continent supervising the
disembarkation of R.A.F. personnel equipment and ammunition, and later re-
embarking the airman proceeding to the United Kingdom on leave. He is married and
has two children.

WELCOME HOME APPEAL
The executive committee dealing with Wokingham’s Welcome Home for the Forces
has decided that the main part of the town’s recognition will take the form of the
presentation of a wallet and a purse to every woman surmounted by the town crest.
There are over a thousand names on the list. The factories and tradesmen in
Wokingham have been approached for contribution towards raising a sufficient sum.
The response has been most generous. The Mayor (Cllr. W.C. Fullbrook) has
expressed the hope that all private residents will help by subscribing as liberally as
possible.

Fri 24th Aug
EMBROOK CELEBRATES VJ2 DAY
Embrook celebrated VJ2 day in no uncertain manner, when the traditional bonfire
and Jap effigy were burnt; in fact, this fire surpassed others in this district, as it was
still smouldering on the following morning. This fine effort was due to the endeavours
of Major Glan Williams, R.A., of the 465 L.A.A. Battery, Toutley Camp, also Mr.
Skinner, of Toutley Hall and his colleagues of the A.R.P., Mr. Carlyle and Mr. Irving.

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