Page 941 - Reading Mercury

reason why we are where we are today is that we have never had the courage to get
ahead.”
Coun. W.G. Jackson suggested that what the public of Wokingham wanted to know
was the effect the municipal hall scheme and the sewerage scheme would have on the
rates as they were at the moment. When the new hall scheme was first considered, the
council had thought in terms of £100,000. “We now have a figure two-and-a-half
times as great,” he said.
Chairman of the Finance Committee, Ald. E.W. Reeves, reminded members that the
cost of the new hall would not stop at £262,000. It would have to be furnished, and
this would probably cost another £10,000. In addition there would be the cost of
upkeep which he did not think would be offset by income from lettings.
The motion for the reference back of the item was carried by 11 votes to 10.

st
Sat 31 Dec
Among the many gifts received at High Close—the Wokingham residential school
of Dr. Barnardo’s organisation—was an imitation pillar-box containing half-a-
hundredweight of sweets and toffees. This was presented by workers of Handley Page
Ltd., of Woodley, and other gifts included an enormous Christmas stocking sent by
Messrs. Campbell, of Reading. Less tangible, but as enjoyable, were the two presents
of Christmas outings. On Thursday the 33 children remaining in the school for
Christmas were taken to see “Robinson Crusoe,” at Windsor, through the generosity
of a friend of Dr. Barnardo’s and, early next week, they will be taken to London to see
the decorations and lights. During Christmas afternoon the school was visited by the
Mayor and Mayoress, Coun. And Mrs. Skedgel.

VISIT BY ANNA NEAGLE
Residents at Glebelands—the Wokingham convalescent home run by the
Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund—were visited by Miss Anna Neagle and her
husband, Mr. Herbert Wilcox, on Christmas Eve. Despite fog, and a breakdown en
route, Miss Neagle and Mr. Wilcox spent over an hour at the home before motoring
back to Brighton.
Anna Neagle renewed her acquaintanceship with several friends she had met on
previous visits, and there were presents for all the residents. Also present were Mr.
Ralph S. Bromhead, chairman of the fund and the secretary, Mr. C. Drumond Scott,
together with two executives from the film industry, Mr. R.S. Camplin (who acted as
Father Christmas), and Mr. C.H.V. Brown—There were 55 residents at Glebelands
for Christmas, including 84 years-old Mr. George Pearson, a well-known producer of
silent films who lectures on the art of film-making. Turkeys for the Christmas dinner
were sent from the Northern Ireland branch of the fund. Many firms associated with
the film industry also demonstrated their support of the fund by sending appropriate
gifts—and it would not have been Christmas at Glebelands without two film shows.

The following articles have been taken from the Reading
Mercury, Wokingham Times and Evening Standard.
1961 to 1970
NB Articles dated Saturday are from The Reading Mercury. Those dated Thursday are from
the Wokingham Times. Those dated Friday are either from The Wokingham Times or
Evening Standard. Evening Standard articles are indicated.

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