Page 835 - Reading Mercury

Hawkins, Sandhurst; the Hon Mr. and Mrs. P.F. Remnant Cup for children’s exhibit:
Susan Knowles, Winnersh; Miss Bafry Cup for produce: Mrs. Clarke, Sandhurst.

th
Sat 6 June
A UNITED CHURCH SERVICE OPENS WOKINGHAM’S CELEBRATIONS
Judging from appearances, there was nobody celebrating the Coronation in
Wokingham on Tuesday morning for the streets were deserted, save for those whose
business kept them out of doors. It was almost as if the veil of night had been
suddenly lifted, for the only sounds, apart from occasional footsteps, to break the
silence were the rustle of paper decorations and the angry flapping of the flags in the
strong wind.
There was no lack of loyalty, however, the empty streets merely reflected a whole-
hearted interest in the greater celebrations. All who could, found themselves seats in
front of television sets or by radios. As well as those accepting neighbourly
hospitality—and these were legion—there were large audiences watching and
listening to the procession and ceremony throughout the town. Probably the largest of
these was in the British Legion Hall which was crowded all day. At the Wokingham
Hospital patients, and staff alike, none more than 106-years-old Mr. Henry Beesley,
thrilled to the pomp and pageantry brought to them by television, and this scene was
repeated at the cinematograph Trade Benevolent Home, Glebelands, and the Salvation
Army Eventide Home at Buzzacot Hall.
During the early morning, before the procession was televised, there were services
at St. Paul’s Church and All Saints’ Church. About 200 people availed themselves of
the cheap day return to Waterloo, and caught the 4.11 a.m. train, which was quite full
by the time it left Bracknell. Very few travelled later in the day.
Wokingham’s week of festivities officially began on Monday evening with a united
church service in the Market Place. The rain was responsible for a smaller
congregation than had been expected, but over 200 attended. The address was given
by the Rev. R.S. Owens, Rev. A.H. Creed read the lesson, the prayers were led by
Rev. H.M. Rey Smith, and the Benediction was given by Rev. F.A. Steer. The singing
was led by the combined choirs under the direction of Mr. A. Yould.
There was to have been a beacon lit by the Scouts, but owing to a misunderstanding
over the site, this was cancelled. On Tuesday the major items were the old folks’ tea,
in the Waterloo Restaurant, followed by their concert in the hall of the new Secondary
Modern School, London Road. The Mayor, Cllr. W.G. Jackson, accompanied by the
Mayoress, Mrs. W.J. Willey, was present at both sittings of the tea, and later joined
the old people for the concert, and, with the Deputy Mayor, Cllr. A.T. Illott, actually
took part in it.
Compere for the evening was Cllr. E.H. Langley, and he introduced a first-class
variety show, with something to suit all tastes. Comedy was well supplied by the
“Three Loose Screws”; songs were given by Miss Mary Mathias (soprano) and Mr.
Harold Hopkins (baritone). Jack Woodason’s impressions were as popular as ever,
and Mr. Tom Rundle gave a very entertaining act, producing music from such
surprising things as a vacuum flask and a bicycle pump. The show was rounded off in
grand style by the Wokingham Players, whose production of “The Harem” was much
appreciated. Much less of a success was the open-air concert in the Rose Street car
park. The weather kept away many of the hoped-for audience, but the failure of the
majority of the artistes to arrive put Mr. Dick Giles in a most embarrassing position.
He did, however, give one of his puppet shows and was helped out by G. Cracknell,
but the show had to be concluded after only 20 minutes.

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