Page 843 - Reading Mercury

PRODUCE ASSOCIATION’S LAST SHOW
As the public began to file out of the Town Hall, Wokingham, on Saturday
afternoon, and cleaners began to get busy with their brooms, the Wokingham Produce
Association—as far as the general public were concerned—ceased to exist. For
Saturday’s autumn show rang down the curtain on an association which has done
much to encourage food production for well over 10 years. It was during the late war
that, in response to the Government’s appeal, the association came into being—then,
primarily, to help alleviate the serious food shortage; and latterly during the unsettled
peace it has continued this work, although the floral and decorative classes have now
outnumbered the humble vegetables. But although this show was their last, members
were just as keen to make it the customary success, and entries (207) were well up.
The quality of the exhibits also was described as of “a very high standard.” There was
a good selection of apples, in spite of it being a poor year for fruit, and there were
several first-class dahlias and gladioli. Classes for floral arrangement were well
supported and a number of delightful miniatures made a pleasing display.
Two special “Coronation year awards of merit” were made—to Mr. R.A. Rackham
for best exhibit in fruit and vegetable classes, and Mrs. B.C. Wilson for the best floral
exhibit. The Victory Silver Challenge Cup and Smallholder bronze medal for the
member gaining highest aggregate points in all vegetable classes in 1953-53 were
presented to Mr. O.J. Hambleton, who also won the R.H.S. Banksian medal for the
highest total of prize-money in the annual show.
Following the usual custom, there was one class judged by both the judges and
popular vote. This was for floral arrangement. Mr. F.H. Carter was the only member
of the public whose decision tallied with that of the judges, who awarded first prize to
Captain P. Baldwin, W.R.A.C., with Mrs. M.M. Knowles second and Mrs. B.C.
Wilson third. According to popular vote, Mrs. Eames was the winner with Captain
Baldwin and Miss J.B. Bolton second and third.

st
Sat 31 Oct
JUMBLE SALE
The jumble sale in the Church House, Wokingham, on Saturday afternoon in aid of
the All Saints’ Young Wives’ Group, realised a profit of £19.

SAVINGS SOCIAL
The Wokingham Street Groups Sub-Committee of the National Savings Committee
held their monthly social in the Church House, Wokingham, on Tuesday afternoon.

YOUNG WIVES’ GROUP
The weekly meeting of the All Saints’ Young Wives’ Group, held in the Church
House, Wokingham, on Wednesday, was addressed by Mr. Richardson, from St.
Dunstan.

ROVER “DEN.”
Mr. E.P.C. Preston, Assistant Commissioner for Rover Crews, officially opened the
th
5 Wokingham Rover crew’s new “den” in the Wiltshire Road on Saturday. The
Rover “Vigal Altar” was dedicated by the chaplain to the local association, the Rev.
F.A. Steer.

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