Page 780 - Reading Mercury

Messrs. Warren and Eaves, after surmounting the difficulties of obtaining supplies,
made an early start demolishing the front of the present building, and within four
weeks had completed the entire reconstruction as shown in the accompanying
photograph.
Considerable interior work, that of enlarging and modifying the offices, has also been
completed within the month—a factor which, with present day difficulties—is worthy
of comment.
Prompt and efficient service in altering both the gas and electricity supplies was
undertaken by the Yorktown and Camberley Gas and Electricity Company.

ENTERTAINMENT
SAVOY, WOKINGHAM
“Scarlet Street.”
Described as one of Hollywood’s most graphic melodramas, “Scarlett Street” is due
next week at the Savoy Theatre. Based on the arresting French novel and play, “La
Chienne,” the new film co-stars Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett with Dan
Duryea. The three players headlined recently in “The Woman in the Window,” were
re-united by Director-Producer Fritz Lang, who piloted both films.
“Bitter Sweet.”
Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy will be seen once more at the Savoy Theatre in
“Bitter Sweet,” their latest re-issue. It is a Technicolor picturisation of the operetta for
which Noel Coward wrote both words and music, and it contains some of the most
charming songs ever to reach the screen. “Bitter Sweet” presents Miss MacDonald as
a London Belle of the Gay ‘Nineties, who elopes with her singing teacher, played by
Eddy, and who returns with him to Vienna, city of song.

1947
st
Sat 1 Feb
SUNDAY SCHOOL PARTY
Seniors and juniors of All Saints’ Sunday School, including some children from
Forest Road, were entertained to a party at the Church House on Saturday.
Arrangements were made by Miss Harwood and the rector, the Rev. G. Kenworthy
was present to distribute certificates. After tea, the children joined in community
singing, and then they saw lantern slides of “Sinbad the Sailor,” “Beauty and the
Beast,” and “The Pied Piper.” Commentaries were given by Capt. Rogers.

LOCAL OFFICER’S AMERICAN AWARD
A local officer in Trieste, lt.-Col. A.H. Gardner, R.A., of Lowther Road,
Wokingham, was recently awarded the American Medal of Freedom. Lt.-Col.
Gardner was decorated by an American Army Colonel, and the official citation read
as follows: “For exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding
th
th
services in Italy from the 11 September, 1944, to 8 May 1945. This officer joined
the Allied Military Government Allied Commission on 11th September, 1944, and
th
was attached to the Agricultural Sub-Commission, Olive Oil Staff, on 18 January,
1945. Despite the difficulties encountered, lack of transport, shortage of personnel, he
carried out his duties in a successful and noteworthy manner.” The citation also
records the Col. Gardner’s “tact, diplomacy, tireless energy and attention to duty
reflect great credit upon himself and organisation.” Lt.-Col. Gardner held a Territorial
Commission in the Royal Artillery, was called for active service in August, 1939, and
was with the 80 H.A.A., R.A. (Reading Regiment) from August, 1939, to, May 1940.

778