Page 764 - Reading Mercury

Wokingham Juveniles, tiny tots from the Fairdene Nursery School earned much
applause with their “Pony Trot.” Jean Phillips followed with her topical songs. Others
taking part were José and Gillian, Rose Scarse (winner of a “Sunshine Medal” in
London), and Jean Hilliard, who showed great promise as an operatic dancer. “Jill,”
the Jack in the Box,” Beryl Belcher, June Plank, June Waite,Pauline Williams, P.
Miles, Joyce Hepworth, Marie Lane and the Wokingham Babies all contributed to ‘a
most enjoyable evening’. At the close of the entertainment the pupils from Fairdene
Nursery School presented Miss le Roy with a beautiful bouquet of yellow
chrysanthemums

ENTERTAINING THE DUTCH TROOPS
We learn that there was some response to the appeal by the Mayor for residents to
entertain some of the Dutch soldiers over Xmas. It is anticipated that the response
would have been greater had it been possible to give longer notice.

ON LEAVE
Among those who have recently spent Christmas at home on 28 days’ leave is
Rifleman E.M. Darbourn, of Soldiers Rise, Wokingham, who has been serving in
Italy. Rifleman Darbourn is one of the Wokingham Town Council’s severest critics
and he still has not forgotten the flower baskets on lamp-posts etc.

th
Sat 29 Dec
CHRISTMAS IN WOKINGHAM
A very fine Christmas tree,, the gift of Messrs. Sale and Son, stood in the Market
Place, Wokingham, over Christmas. It was decorated by Mr. Dick Giles, and on
Christmas Eve, people gathered round it to sing carols, led by members of
Wokingham Youth Centre and various choirs in the town. Mr. E.C.S. Davis
conducted the singing, and the carol-singers relied on Mr. Love’s cornet to give them
their note. A group of hand bell ringers under Ald. Barrett played several carols on the
bells. On Christmas morning, full peals of eight were rung from All Saints’ and St.
Paul’s. A midnight mass was celebrated at St. Paul’s in addition to other Christmas
services. In All Saints’ Church, a tall Christmas Tree, beautifully lighted, stood
opposite a flood-lit Crib.

CELEBRATIONS AT THE EMERGENCY HOSPITAL
On Christmas Eve the staff of Wokingham Emergency Hospital went carol singing
round the cheerfully decorated wards. Each inmate received a bag containing an
orange, sweets and cigarettes on Christmas morning, and a Christmas card provided
by Mrs. Oliver Young, of Hare Hatch, Twyford. The Misses Huggins, of Bears
Corner, Hare Hatch, sent a shilling for each Berkshire patient. A service from the
chapel. Conducted by the Rev. P.J.H. Scott, chaplain, was broadcast over the wards.
The usual Christmas fare was served for Christmas dinner, and the chairman of the
committee, Major A. Hunter, and Ald. F.J. Barrett were present to help with the
carving. Mr. Scott was also there. Unfortunately Ald. W.T. Martin was absent for the
first time in forty years because of ill-health. Gifts to the children were distributed at
the end of the meal. There were iced cakes, jellies and trifles for tea, and in the
evening the staff gave a concert. On Boxing Day the staff held their social and dinner.

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