Page 759 - Reading Mercury

Various explosions shook the neighbourhood and a giant V comprising of
magnesium flares, blazed on the ground as a preliminary. At 9.30 p.m. the bonfire was
started and, helped by a breeze, was soon well ablaze. Another V sign was seen in the
heart of the fire.
The “Jap,” hoisted on a tall pole, succeeded in evading his fate until the flames
reached the peak, but at last amidst jibes, he succumbed to the inevitable. Soldiers
meanwhile set the “stage” for a mock show. General McArthur (Sgt. Jack Gertsky)
dictated the Surrender Terms to Sgt. Humphrey Hunter (R.A.) as “General
Wickywacky”; Sgt. Frank Keam (R.A.) as Hon. “Packup” and Sgt. Jack Fletcher,
(R.A.) as Hirohito.
The penalties “imposed” were (1) to whitewash the camp paving stones; (2) to pick
up and relay same for eternity, and (3) to have 48 hours’ pass every two days. Each
committed “Hon. Hari-Kari.” A ring was then formed round the blaze and songs were
sung. About two hundred folk also had an enjoyable dance at the Toutley Camp
canteen, at which they were guests. Dancing lasted till the small hours of Friday
morning. This was a record attendance for the popular ‘camp’ dances.

Fri 24th Aug
EVENDONS LANE CELEBRATES VJ2 DAY
Early on Wednesday morning (VJ. 4), the children residing in Evendons Lane,
Wokingham, began to get busy—preparing the usual bonfire—which appears to be
one of the main features on these occasions. Bushes and other inflammable material
were collected and taken to the plot of ground.. This was added to by a band of
willing and energetic helpers, who cut down the hedgerow in the front of the plot.
Very soon a substantial heap was collected for the bonfire on VJ 2 night. The effigy of
“Tojo” was also prepared, with a collecting box in his lap, and placed in the front of
the bonfire.
During the evening of VJ 2 day, stalls and side shows were run by members of the
Evendons Lane Celebrations Committee, and other helpers. A substantial sum was
collected towards the big event which is to follow in the near future.
As darkness approached, excitement ran high, and “Tojo” was wheeled to the
bonfire, placed in a chair on top of the heap, and the bonfire lit. Flames soon shot
several feet in the air, and “Tojo” was no more! In the light of the bonfire, which
burnt for about two hours, dancing and community singing were indulged in, led by
music supplied by the Evensdon Lane accordion band.
To round off Victory Week, an open air dance was held in the Lane on Saturday
evening. A very large crowd of people gathered. Music for dancing was supplied by
Stan Ayres and his band.

th
Sat 6 Oct
FOR WELCOME HOME FUND
As the result of a dance held at All Saints’ Church House on Thursday last week,
£13 1s. 4d. was handed to the Wokingham Welcome Home Fund. All Saints’ Youth
Fellowship was responsible for the organisation.

HOLME GRANGE OPENS
th
Holme Grange opened up as a Preparatory School for Boys on September 28 . The
nucleus of the new school is formed by boys from Eaton House School, which has
been resident at Haines Hill, Twyford, since 1939, and which has now returned to

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