MICE to see you...

Adam Hewitt • Published 23 Apr 2009 07:00 Comments 1 Comment

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SHOPPERS have been getting to know a Mice and friendly new face.

Allan Crisp is the new information officer on the Mobile Information Centre bus, known as the Mice bus, now that predecessor Derek Davis retired after 12 years.

The outreach bus, funded through grants and donations and operated by Earley's Crescent Centre in Warbler Drive, can always be found in Earley, Woodley or further afield in Wokingham borough.

Keen singer Mr Crisp, 51, of Reeds Avenue, Earley, has been training with Mr Davis for the past few weeks and took over full-time on Monday.

He said: "I had worked for BT in Reading for 35 years and it was becoming a stressful job - this seemed a good change.

"We get questions on everything, from bus times to IVF, leisure and days out to debts and domestic abuse. But we don't ask people's names. People really appreciate the service."

Alongside the full-time member of staff, the Mice bus also gets help from eight volunteers on different days. Between them they provide information on virtually any subject, and point people to the relevant charity, organisation or council department to get specific help.

In Earley, there is also a police officer or community support officer on the Mice bus for people to raise issues with.

Mr Davis said: "I really enjoyed my time on the Mice bus and got to know so many people, but it was time to move on and retire."

Volunteer Gill Brown helps out in Earley on Thursdays, and said: "There's a social side to it as well, some people come here specially, and it's great in this transitory age to have something so consistent, people always know we'll be right here to talk."

The Mice vehicle also sells books to help support its work and petrol costs.

It is at Asda in Earley every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-4pm, and at the Woodley Oakwood Centre every Monday from 10am-4pm.

On Tuesdays it rotates between Wargrave, Twyford, Shinfield, Arborfield and Winnersh.

Wargrave - first Tuesday of the month, council car park in School Lane 10am-12.45pm

Twyford - first Tuesday of the month, Waitrose car park 1.15-4pm

Shinfield - second Tuesday of the moneth, Dobbies/Grovelands garden centre, 10am-12.45pm

Arborfield - second Tuesday of the month, Lockey Farm, Sindlesham Road, 1.15-4pm

Winnersh - third Tuesday of the month, Sainsbury's car park 9.30am-12.30pm.

Call 0118 921 0555 for details or to volunteer.

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 23 Apr 09

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