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News Archive - Week Beginning 5th Jan 2009
Shops
As widely reported, Marks and Spencer are closing several shops and their 'Simply Food' branch in St Martin's Precinct is to be one of them. Open for less than two years, we have to say we've always wondered why they opened there, when there was a successful and established Waitrose around the
corner. The hunch must be that another supermarket chain will open there in due course (one of the discounters?). In the meanwhile, we'd assume (and
pray) it won't be yet another branch of Tesco, bearing in mind the proximity of the Tesco Express across the road.
Buses
A long letter to the 'Post' concerning bus services in Reading pays particular attention to perceived shortfalls of Caversham's Number 9 bus route. The letter says that Reading Buses' recently proposed "improvements" to the Number 9 service would have meant that Caversham residents would have lost their direct bus route to the Royal Berkshire Hospital - a decision later reversed by RBC councillors. As well as calling for improvements to bus timetables and fare structures, the writer also says "the answer to improve the 9 is to use double deckers throughout the route". (Reading Evening Post 30/12/08 p6)
An article in 'Caversham Bridge' comments on the CADRA meeting of last November 12th, which featured Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer James Freeman as guest speaker. The article says that Mr Freeman acknowledged Caversham as being 'the Cinderella' of public transport provision in Reading, also commenting: "Caversham ... ...is not among the bright points in Reading's bus network. The No. 9 is the only premier route that is not growing. The 23/24 route is a 'poor offer', and the other Caversham routes often leave a lot to be desired. In fact Mr Freeman used the adjective 'pathetic' to describe our services". The article does however say that it was encouraging that Mr Freeman recognised the concerns of local residents. (Caversham Bridge, January 2009 p4)
Former Labour councillor Stuart Singleton-White took over as chairman of Reading Buses on December 1st, having been a director and deputy chairman of the board of Reading Transport Limited for several years. He replaces Councillor Tony Jones. (Reading Evening Post 02/01/09 p4)
Caversham Court Gardens
In a feature, 'Reasons to be Cheerful in Reading 2009', the 'Chronicle' reminds readers that the historic Caversham Court Gardens will re-open to the public in late spring after extensive work repairing original 17th and 19th century features including the Gardens' gazebo and causeway. (Reading Chronicle 01/01/09 p5)
A major feature in the January edition of 'Caversham Bridge', 'Behind Closed Doors - Progress at Caversham Court', provides extensive detail on the restoration work that is currently taking place at the Gardens, and also provides information on the history of the site. (Caversham Bridge, January 2009)
Churches
Caversham Heights Methodist Church celebrates its centenary in 2009 with a series of events including concerts and performances over the coming year. (Reading Chronicle 01/01/09 p4)
Crime
The Coral's bookmaker in Emmer Green was subjected to an attempted armed robbery on December 20th at 9.20pm when two men, one armed with a handgun, threatened staff and customers. A staff member ran to the nearby White Horse pub to raise the alarm - the robbers left the scene empty-handed. (Reading Chronicle (Midweek) 31/12/08 p1)
According to a survey of Government-compiled statistics from 354 local authorities (conducted by an organisation called the North West Public Health Observatory), Reading has the third highest level of alcohol-related crime in England - notably alcohol-related violent crimes and sexual offences. However, police Chief Inspector Jim Weems debated the findings, saying: "in my view violent crime is reducing". (Reading Evening Post 02/01/09 pp1,2)
Festivals
The 'Chronicle' feature, 'Reasons to be Cheerful in Reading 2009' mentions the Heavenly Planet festival that takes place on the banks of the Thames (on the edge of Caversham) next summer. The festival will feature what is said to be a diverse and colourful programme, and (in the words of the 'Chronicle') "even locals have welcomed the news". (Reading Chronicle 01/01/09 p5)
Pubs
The 'Post' reports that two Caversham pubs, the Prince of Wales in Prospect Street and the Clifton Arms in Gosbrook Road are both producing "credit crunch-busting" meals for customers at under £2. Reading Pubwatch chairman Bill Donne said: "they are an attractive proposition for customers, but... ...it's a very difficult market at the moment". Elsewhere, the 'Post' reports that the Bird in Hand pub in Sonning Common has recently closed as a part of a wave of pub closures across the local area. (Reading Evening Post 29/12/08 p4, Reading Evening Post 30/12/08 p1)
Shops
A feature on Caversham shops and how they traded over the Christmas holidays says that they produced "mixed reviews" in the main. The (excellent) Terry's discount shop in St Martin's Precinct experienced a last-minute Christmas rush, but said otherwise "it's been quiet all through the year compared to other years". The butcher Jennings said that retail sales were up 10% to 12%, but that the firm's catering division "was much quieter". (Reading Chronicle 01/01/09 p5)
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