Berkshire and The War: the "Reading Standard" pictorial record. Volume 4. p 999

Peace Celebrations at Wokingham.

I n celebrating Peace the ancient town of Wokingham -€” at one time famous for its bull-baiting festivities -€” has well maintained its traditions. Never before, however, has there been more enthusiasm and more impressive sights than those witnessed on July 19th. Rough horse-play and hooliganism were entirely absent from the rejoicings, and only late in the evening did some sections of the crowd become hilarious. Representative committees for the celebrations, under the chairmanship of the Mayor, are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts, as everything passed off without a hitch and according to schedule. The carefully thought-out programme left nothing to be desired. It is gratifying to see that our soldiers and sailors -€” the men who brought about peace - were well catered for. In response to the appeal of the Decoration Committee, householders and tradesmen gaily bedecked the town.

Triumphal March and Welcome.

At eleven o'clock available officers and men residing in the neighbourhood - about 900 in number -€” who had served or were still serving in H.M. Forces during the war, assembled in the Rectory Road, and under the direction of Col.-Sergt. Harvey (retired) formed into platoons and, headed by Rear Admiral J. B. Eustace and other officers, moved off punctually at 11.30 with the Wokingham Military Band leading, the Church Lads Brigade Bugle Band in the centre, and proceeded to the Market Place, via Broad Street, Rose Street, Peach Street. As the procession passed All Saints' Church the bells rang out a peal of welcome. On reaching the Market Place the men formed into three sides of a square and stood smartly at attention while the buglers sounded the Royal Salute. The National Anthem was then sung to the accompaniment of the Town Band.

The Mayor proceeded to read the King's message. He then on behalf of the inhabitants of the parish and borough of Wokingham welcomed the officers and men home and thanked them for the noble part they had played in the war. It was a matter for rejoicing that it was possible for so many of them to meet again after all the great dangers through which they had passed. He then asked them to accept the town's hospitality by partaking of luncheon.

The choir, under Mr. A. Yould, F.R.C.O., sang "Land of Hope and Glory", accompanied by the Band, the audience joining in the chorus.

The procession reformed, and headed by the Town Band marched to Langborough Recreation Ground, via Denmark Street and Langborough Road.

The Luncheon.

Along the promenade, under the trees, were numerous tables with an army of willing assistants. Through the courtesy of the Guardians and the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Cooper (master and matron of the Workhouse) the committee were relieved of the responsibility of cooking the whole of the meat. The old fire engine once more became useful in cooking the potatoes and boiling tea.

Sports and Gymkhana.

During the afternoon there were sports and a gymkhana on Langborough Recreation Ground.

The Carnival.

A record entry was received for the Grand Carnival. The assembly in the Rectory Road presented a lively appearance. There were masqueraders and horsemen in carnival costume, decorated motors, cycles, trucks, prams, and novelties on wheels. The judges had no easy task. A large model airship "R.35", a whippet tank and tableaux of "Peace"€ attracted considerable attention. A midget and another grotesque individual caused much merriment.

Presentation to the Mayor and Mayoress.

Then came a little incident that is not likely to be forgotten in the annals of Wokingham's history, and that was the presentation of a handsome silver tray to the Mayor and a silver basket to the Mayoress, together with an address.

Entertainment in Market Place.

From 9 p.m. onwards an entertainment was held on an illuminated stage in the Market Place. Mr. A. Yould, F.R.C.O., conducted the choirs and accompanied the songs. Messrs. C. Pell and C. Green were stage managers, and Mr. W. J. Breach was hon. secretary. Mr. Cathrow Martin was responsible for the stage decorations.

Dancing.

At the Drill Hall a carnival ball was well patronised. The prophecy on the programme, "It will be a merry night", certainly proved true. So congested did the hall become that a lady offered to act as accompanist to another dance, and a number of dancers moved to the Town Hall, where the m erry-making was continued up to midnight. The M.C.'s [sic] were Messrs. G. W. Dowty, T. Douglas, W. Irving and H. Painter.

[photo, crowd, exterior] PASSING THROUGH THE TRIUMPHAL ARCH AT WOKINGHAM. [Photo by C. E. & A. May.]