Ep.25 60 Years of the Caversham Bridge
With Phil Chatfield
Guest Name: Phil Chatfield | Chair, Caversham Bridge
Episode Description:
In this episode, Phil Chatfield, a local resident and chair of the Caversham Bridge, discusses the history, evolution, and impact of this community newspaper. He shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a volunteer-driven publication and how it has adapted to the changing media landscape.
Phil highlights the importance of local journalism in fostering community spirit, sharing local news, and showcasing the talents of local residents. We also discuss how the Caversham Bridge has evolved to become more inclusive, engaging a wider audience through both print and digital formats.
By understanding the needs and interests of the local community, the Caversham Bridge continues to be a valuable resource and a cornerstone of the Caversham and Emmer Green areas.
Caversham Bridge Website: https://cavershambridge.org/
Buy the Caversham Bridge Community Newspaper £1 per paper,
or £7 for an annual subscription:
Listen to the episode
Episode Time Codes
00:24 Introduction
00:41 Intro to phil and Caversham bridge
01:02 What Phil likes about Reading and Caversham
01:57 How many people it takes to publish the Caversham Bridge every month
03:12 How Phil got involved with the Caversham Bridge
05:14 How the Caversham bridge has changed over the years
06:21 How has Phil changed the Caversham bridge since he took over as Chair
07:14 What role does a local newspaper have in the community
08:10 How Caversham bridge has tried to get different ages involved
09:24 Can anyone write for the Caversham bridge?
11:02 What challenges Phil faces in running a local newspaper
13:01 Plans for paper going forwards
15:06 How Phil promotes the Caversham bridge to find more readers
17:25 Where people can pick up the Caversham bridge
18:06 Final thoughts
Videos
Key takeaways
Community Connection: Local newspapers like the Caversham Bridge are vital for fostering a strong sense of community. They provide a platform for sharing local news, highlighting community events, and celebrating local achievements.
Adapting to the Times: To stay relevant, local newspapers must evolve with the times. This includes embracing digital platforms while still valuing the traditional print format.
Volunteers: A dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to produce and distribute the Caversham Bridge, showcasing the impact of community-driven initiatives.
Episode references
Caversham at the NoodStores on Church Street and Fourbears Bookshop on Prospect Street. In Emmer Green it is available from the True Food Co-operative Store, and at the Milestone Centre café. It is also available from the Sheabutter Cottage store at 118 Henley Road.