A MAJOR report on the future of Reading, by its own Chamber of Commerce, was highlighted in the Chronicle in 1963, as part of their own Diamond Jubilee anniversary.
The chamber, formed in 1903, felt that they were in a good position to judge how local shopping habits had changed and give their views as to forthcoming trends in the retail trade.
ALSO READ: Met Office respond to reports 'polar snow bomb' heading to Berkshire
One of the reports major findings was that larger stores, with more modern displays and layout, were the way forward and that some small retailers were not catching up with modern times.
RETAIL THERAPY: Chamber of Commerce published a report
Many of the bridges over the Thames were causing concern as to their structural integrity 58 years ago, Sonning Bridge had recently imposed a weight restriction, the foundations of Henley Bridge had ‘shifted’ and Marlow Bridge had closed.
To add to this misery for drivers, Conway’s Bridge, a narrow humped-back structure on the main Wargrave to Henley Road, was shut for a week for emergency repairs.
Severe frosty weather had undermined the chalk foundations and caused the road above to sink dramatically, posing a danger to motorists.
CAN YOU DIG IT?: A big hole was being looked into in 1963
Passengers on a Thames Valley double-decker bus narrowly escaped serious injury after being involved in a collision with two cars whilst on its way to Marlow.
Mrs. J. Newell who was travelling with her two children told the Chronicle: “Suddenly there was a tremendous crash, and all the lights went out, I felt myself flying through the air and finished up on my back with seat cushions on top of me.”
She continued: “We were taken to hospital and I am covered in cuts and bruises, but the children weren’t even scratched.”
FALLING DOWN: This Alder Valley bus didn’t reach its destination
A Reading family with two young children also had a narrow escape when their car overturned in Berkeley Avenue, Reading.
After colliding with two other cars, their vehicle overturned and ended up on its roof, the occupants were taken to Battle Hospital, but were not detained.
LUCKY ESCAPE: An entire family ‘walked away’ from this overturned car
Newbury District Council had the bright idea to install a giant 1,200-watt lamp to illuminate Thatcham Broadway in 1963.
The modern ‘globe-shaped’ lamp had a diameter of nearly 5ft and a tough plastic covering as a protection against hooliganism.
GOING UP: Thatcham installed new street lighting
The Reading Chronicle gave a positive diagnosis to the performance of “Doctor in the House” at the Kenton Theatre in Henley, 58 years ago.
ALSO READ: Banksy CONFIRMS new Reading mural as his latest work
Reporting on the first night, the reviewer pulled out all the stops with health service puns: “It was pretty mature medicine, but then some of the more established potions still work wonders and sustain an ailing theatre, when it looks like it needs a shot in the arm.”
CARRY ON DOCTOR: Kenton Theatre hosted a new comedy play
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here