TRAFFIC TRAFFIC TRAFFIC
Before putting pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, I thought I would take a look back over the last few issues of Caversham Bridge. As I suspected traffic has figured significantly. So apologies as once again I feel I have to type some cautionary tales.
In January I had a 9am meeting in Theale. The journey took me 1 hour 10 minutes. I believe that was unusually bad, nevertheless it happened and one needs to ask, ‘Why?’.
This, and other similar questions, are being addressed by the Independent Transport Commission. CADRA made representations to the Commission and I attended a few of their hearings. The facts and figures being talked about are all so overwhelming, it would appear an almost impossible problem to solve. Tied in with ‘carbon footprint’ and all the other jargon connected with global warming and the solutions seem even more remote and unattainable.
TRAFFIC PROPOSALS FOR CAVERSHAM
I won’t even attempt to take in the bigger, greater Reading, overview. Rather I would like to draw attention to some current ‘solutions’ now on the table for Caversham.
I think most Caversham residents would welcome the proposal to ‘downgrade’ the Woodcote Road, the A4074, and introduce weight restrictions to reduce the excessive number of lorries and HGVs which use this road, especially at night.
However a more controversial plan would be to re-introduce the idea of the one-way system round Westfield Road, Prospect Street and the part of Gosbrook Road that links them up. This was planned several years ago and after a vigorous campaign by the Westfield Road Triangle group, supported by the Caversham Traders Association, the plan was dropped.
Such a scheme would considerably alter the face of Caversham. The main claim in its favour is that it would ease the congestion currently experienced in rush hour. Against this one has to remember that Westfield Road is solely residential and the scheme would mean 24/7 heavy traffic, channeling buses and all through traffic along this residential road. Past schemes envisaged traffic going down Westfield Road towards Reading. I wonder if the buses would be redirected to turn right into Gosbrook Road and back into Caversham? Would shoppers wanting to come into Caversham find they were being diverted towards Reading? How easy would it be to reach the ‘Waitrose’ car park? Would access to the Chester Street car park become even more complicated, causing more congestion? There is a clear dichotomy of interests between those who see Caversham as an obstacle to their onward route into Reading and beyond, and those who live, work and shop in Caversham and see the through traffic as ruining their quality of life. Yet many readers, like me, at different times fall into both these categories. Perhaps the only way to cut this Gordian knot is to be brave and go for the third bridge, now.
With elections coming up it might be worthwhile canvassing representatives of the political parties on this issue and find out where they stand. Perhaps if any read this they may like to comment.
THE 23 BUS ROUTE
I usually write in praise of our bus service. I often witness the helpfulness and good nature of the drivers in very trying circumstances. However I do have one problem and that is with the reliability of the 23. It is my local bus and I have to say its reliability is not good. Between us my wife and I use it at least a couple of times a week and at various times of day. I haven’t kept a strict log but I do know that on every occasion, bar one, throughout December and January, it was late; so late in fact that it would appear some services just didn’t run. I haven’t written to Reading Buses but I have heard several people, waiting at my stop, say that when they did write they got no reply. It would help if the electronic timetabling system were installed along this route. At least one would know if it would indeed be quicker to walk.

READING FAMILY AID (RFA)

Until a few months ago I hadn’t heard of this group yet many of the committee live in Caversham and it turned out I know quite a few from other activities. ‘If you want a job done, ask a busy person!’ So what do they do?
RFA is a registered charity and as their brochure says; they bring gifts to children at Christmas, take families on a summer outing and arrange visits to shows. It is a local charity helping local people.
Reading is a rich town. I heard just how rich at the Transport Commission enquiry that I mention above. Its economy is among the fastest growing in the UK. And yet within the town we have large areas of serious social deprivation. If anyone doubts just how bad this is I urge you to visit the Council website and look at the ward profiles for areas such as Whitley and the Oxford Road. I know of children who would have had no Christmas present were it not for outside help from their school or indeed from such groups as RFA.
Every year RFA organises its Christmas Toy Project which is sponsored by the Reading Chronicle, supported by schools, churches and businesses. Over 1000 Reading children benefit from this. A figure which alone shows how much needs to be done. Every year the committee also organises a summer outing and, if there is extra money, they arrange a visit to the panto or some other show.

Despite helping so many of our children RFA acts quietly and discreetly, almost behind the scenes. I only got to know of the group because of the annual quiz run by Lindsay Mullaney (remember Caversham Bookshop?). This year I am pleased to say her quiz broke all records raising over £1500 for RFA. This should pay for 4 coaches taking this year’s group of about 200 Reading children on an outing to the Cotswold Wildlife Park. For those children who never, and I do mean never, get out of Reading this will be a magnificent and memorable happy day in their lives.

If any readers are moved to help further either by sending money or as volunteers the organisers would be very pleased to hear from you. Email: readingfamilyaid@hotmail.com or by phone: Sallie on 9476348, Wendy 9461365 or Ruth 9470305.

QUIZ RESULTS
The winner of this year’s quiz was Mr Peter Cross of Caversham who wins a £20 Book Token and nine other prizes were awarded. Thirty-six entrants scored over 90%, a remarkable result!
Many readers may have had a shot at the quiz and spent hours torturing themselves, and their friends, seeking the answers. Anyone who sent in their attempts for marking with a SAE will have received their ‘corrected’ version back with an answer sheet. For anyone who didn’t feel brave enough to send in an entry, Lindsay, always ready to raise more money, has made these available, at a cost, at WordPlay, in Prospect St. The price for the solutions is a mere £1.00. So here is your chance to set your mind at ease and at the same time help a truly worthy cause.

AND THE NEXT QUIZ . . .
As soon as one quiz ends, planning for another starts. About this time last year I wrote in the Bridge asking if any local charity would like to be considered as beneficiaries of the next quiz. RFA got in touch and thanks to the Caversham Bridge including my piece, this local charity was able to benefit from the funds raised.
Lindsay is now looking for another local charity for her next quiz. If you are interested in finding out more, what is involved etc. etc. please contact Lindsay, either by email ALMULLANEY@AOL.COM or by phone 0118 9470478