|
News Archive - Week Beginning 15th Feb 2009BusesA letter from the Caversham-based Professor Paul Bardos comments on the RBC's proposals for what he describes as "a new transport disaster for Reading" - a large and complex (and so far secretive) bid for funding for a 'guided bus' / 'mass transit' system for the town. Prof. Bardos says that preference will be given to buses on Reading's roads, with dedicated bus lanes - removing road space from other forms of transport and increasing congestion. He says that "these new mass transit routes are envisaged as snaking out across the town to massive new car parks", and argues "it is a scheme cooked up by vested interests to maximise their benefits with little regard to anyone else's benefits". An interesting letter, worth reading in full. (Reading Evening Post 20/02/09 p9) ChurchesWork on the St Barnabas Church parish centre in Emmer Green is reported to be going well, and has been boosted by three grants totalling £15,000 from the National Churches Trust, the Berkshire Community Foundation and the Beatrice Lang Trust. The construction of the new centre began on November 3rd last year - just £10,000 more is needed in order to meet the project's £350,000 budget. (Reading Chronicle 19/02/09 p16) The 50th anniversary celebration of the restored Shrine of Our Lady of Caversham took place at Candlemas (February 2nd) at Our Lady and St Anne church in South View Avenue. Mass was taken by Monsignor Anthony Conlon, the Oratory school's Chaplain, and included a Missa Cantata - a sung mass using the old Latin Rites. (Reading Evening Post 20/02/09 p16) FestivalsOwing to poor ticket sales, the Heavenly Planet arts and music festival scheduled for Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 will now be without charge. Labour lead councillor for culture and sport Graeme Hoskin said that the RBC's cash contribution to the running of the festival would be capped at £75,000 and that would not increase following the decision to allow free entrance. The festival will be held on land adjoining the Rivermead sports and leisure site. (Reading Evening Post 20/02/09 p1) PoliticsLeader of the RBC Conservative opposition (and a councillor for Caversham Ward) Andrew Cumpsty has reshuffled senior Tory roles on the Council - largely involving councillors for Caversham and Emmer Green. Peppard Ward Cllr Jamie Chowdhary has been appointed as lead Conservative spokesman for children's services, Thames Ward Cllr Isobel Ballsdon has been appointed as spokeswoman on planning, and Peppard Ward Cllr Richard Willis has been appointed as deputy whip to assist Cllr Jennifer Ryan in her role as chief whip. (Reading Evening Post 17/02/09 p5) PubsThe Crown on the Bridge pub in Bridge Street has been nominated as the Best Traditional Pub in Caversham in the annual 'Evening Post'- sponsored PubWatch Awards. Landlord Owen Stanford said: "it's hard times for a lot of pubs right now and it's thanks to our customers that we're doing quite well". (Reading Evening Post 18/02/09 p26) SchoolsThe latest OFSTED inspection of Sonning Common primary school in Grove Road has labelled the school as "good". A report published following the inspectors' visit in January gave it Grade 2 marks across all of the inspection categories - signifying a 'good' result. (Reading Evening Post 19/02/09 p11) ScoutsThe 3rd Reading (St. Peter's Caversham) Scout group is looking for adult volunteers to come and help run the group. For details, or to volunteer, visit their website. The group is also looking for the oldest members of the group to come forward for an invite to the group's formal dinner on Friday, April 24th. (Reading Evening Post 19/02/09 p15) ShopsMarks & Spencer has confirmed that it will definitely close its 'Simply Food' branch in St Martin's Precinct, despite the efforts of the 'Chronicle' and local councillors to keep the store open. M&S have said that the branch will finally shut on March 12th, since it was "underperforming", and was expected to continue to do so. (Reading Chronicle 19/02/09 p5)  |
