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Posted by: Penelope Oct 22 2012, 08:49 AM

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2012/unofficial-sign-at-headley-ford-warns-sat-nav-users

I had to laugh

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 22 2012, 09:00 AM

The naughty sign will be taken down now, sadly, despite the fact it delivers the right message......

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 22 2012, 09:00 AM

Is it just satnav users who risk the ford then?

Posted by: spartacus Oct 22 2012, 11:39 AM

Several cars went through the 'ROAD CLOSED' signs last week and two vehicles actually got stuck in the ford??!!!
Has anyone seen the width of this ford..? It's about 80ft across at the moment and it's fairly fast moving water in the middle. The depth gauges show over 2ft 6in.... WHO is daft enough to give that a try?

Beggers belief... It would be ironic if there was another tragedy at the site so close to the inquest following the fatal.... Especially now (as was the case then as well) the signs so clearly state that it shouldn't be used...


That said, I'm sure that local farmers in tractors will have no problem with the ford and want it kept open. Alternative for them is to use the main road across the Headley bridge and add to the congestion there...

Posted by: GMR Oct 22 2012, 04:14 PM

That did make me laugh.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 22 2012, 06:57 PM

It's on the Basingstoke side and they are not as stuffy as WBC I believe so it might survive a little while.

Posted by: Blake Oct 24 2012, 01:56 PM

Perhaps they should put a ramp either side; who remembers what the General Lee could do on the Dukes of Hazzard?

Posted by: Spider Oct 24 2012, 05:11 PM

I am a lorry driver and you'd be surprised how stupid some people can be when using Satnavs. One story I head was when another lorry driver ended up on the otherside of the country because he followed his satnav religiously.

Posted by: Strafin Oct 24 2012, 05:35 PM

Yeah we all hear a lot of stories, I think a lot of them are exaggerated though.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 24 2012, 07:54 PM

I now know there were signs by Parkway bridge officer - by my SatNav said it was OK to go Officer!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2012, 09:24 AM

Concrete bollards won't stop me going through on my motorcycle, but common sense will, despite anything a satnav might say.

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 25 2012, 10:55 AM

Will be a bit inconvenient driving into the ford from the WBC side......

Posted by: Timbo Oct 25 2012, 11:40 AM

Sorry have you seen the bollards?
If you want to smash into them then be my guest!!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2012, 11:44 AM

No I haven't. They've installed them already then?
I just assumed, being bollards, that a motorcycle would pass between them.

Posted by: Timbo Oct 25 2012, 11:56 AM

Concrete bollards m'lad.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2012, 11:58 AM

Right, I see your point!
Those aren't bollards - more like tank traps!
Wait 'till someone drives into them following their pratnav!
Are they on both sides though?

Posted by: Timbo Oct 25 2012, 11:59 AM

Used to stop tanks in Vietnaam.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2012, 12:04 PM

Strange Boy.
What have you been smoking this morning?

Posted by: Timbo Oct 25 2012, 01:28 PM

You didn't have to cut me off....

Posted by: HeatherW Oct 25 2012, 05:00 PM

I know quite a few people who have followed the satnav and got themselves into a pickle. You need a combination of map and satnav. We reap what we sow as they say.

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 25 2012, 05:02 PM

I find looking where I am going quite helpful.

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 25 2012, 05:20 PM

Blindly following a satnav - a database of nodes connected by a computer that assumes a road is a road & can be driven along....

Posted by: spartacus Oct 25 2012, 07:51 PM

And add a few fluid ounces of grey matter and a sprinkling of common sense and you're nearly there...


And how long before a farmer in his tractor, pulling a trailer loaded with hay bales or pig slurry (just to make it interesting), causes an accident on the A339 as it pulls out from Ashford Hill Road, because it can no longer use the ford to get to Thornford Road and beyond?


"An accident waiting to happen" as they say.........


Yes an accident has already happened at the ford, but there are 'accidents' and there are 'Darwin Awards'. If this incident had resulted in the car being washed away and the occupants suffering no more than wet pants and an embarrassed look then we'd be saying "Did you not SEE the big yellow signs??!!"

But because it's ended in tragedy it's a knee jerk closure and a "Oh it wasn't your fault love....Blame Mr TomTom..."

Just because someone has been foolish (to put it mildly) shouldn't deny use of a facility for the more capable.

Posted by: user23 Oct 25 2012, 08:07 PM

Yes, but can it store children's fingerprints.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 25 2012, 08:23 PM

Love it! I can sell you an onboard system that would read those finger prints and stop the under aged attempting to drive.

Posted by: x2lls Oct 25 2012, 09:00 PM

You make a good point.

Perhaps we need to keep a hammer in our cars for emergency escape, or even our 25 yard swimming cerstificate(!) ?

Posted by: blackdog Oct 25 2012, 09:16 PM

You haven't got one? http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/271007321038?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla

Posted by: x2lls Oct 25 2012, 09:21 PM

Blimey!

I spose if you can't get it online, it doesn't exist.

Posted by: spartacus Oct 25 2012, 10:14 PM

I keep it in the boot just out of arm's reach



.....alongside the defibrillator and oxygen cylinder for those other minor medical emergencies..

Posted by: motormad Oct 26 2012, 07:58 AM

Isn't that what I said, just in a more kindly way?

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 26 2012, 05:36 PM

Sorry, but I find that form of words insensitive regarding the error made by the driver. I know of so many incidents where observers pronounce upon the person involved, then make a similar mistake themselves. Right up until the nanosecond after we have done it, we think only fools do such things.

I think we can debate the ford (and others in the area, no doubt) without using words that would add to the grief of an already devastated family.

Posted by: spartacus Oct 26 2012, 11:05 PM

Mr Gammon was visiting the area from Teddington. I feel secure in the knowledge that his family members aren't likely to read the drivel posted on here.

But if we are going to use this forum to discuss local topics of import then what better one? For me, there is a certain disbelief and astonishment that a driver would slowly ease their way into a swollen river over 3ft deep (5ft deep depending on which report you read!) in anything other than a Camel Trophy Landy.... I don't imagine that sort of thing was a snap decision in a Toyota Yaris. It beggers belief and you do wonder what possesses someone to do that...


Rather like those BBC wildlife docs where herds of wildebeest opt to chance their luck in a swollen river teaming with crocs..... You know, despite the calming Attenborough commentary, that it's going to end in tears.....

Posted by: Penelope Oct 26 2012, 11:15 PM

I think that when it started to go over the wheels I would have got the message.

Posted by: Timbo Oct 27 2012, 01:56 PM

As a woman Lady P, I doubt that.

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 27 2012, 02:11 PM

Posted by: Penelope Oct 27 2012, 06:42 PM

Quite right, I'm too busy thinking of fluffy kittens and doing the dusting to be trusted behind the wheel.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 27 2012, 06:49 PM

You are just being modest - driving is for little people; that's why you don't see anyone of importance drive themselves.

Posted by: NWNREADER Oct 27 2012, 07:40 PM

1. Then you don't recognise the power of the internet...... While the family may not look it up someone who knows them may find it and tell them - especially the previous thread.

2. As I said earlier, no shortage of people who realise the nanosecond after they have done something they have just joined the ranks of those who previously they thought of as beyond hope. We should all keep a small reserve on our ridicule of others .... just in case.....

3. That is nature at work. Are the wildebeest stupid? Should know better?

We can discuss the information available to drivers at the ford so they make sound decisions without such public ridicule of them, especially after the worst outcome.

My opinion. I don't demand everyone on the planet agree with me

Posted by: Strafin Oct 27 2012, 10:52 PM

I'm getting a little fed up with people trying to police this forum. You would have to blind, deaf, dumb and stupid not to know that some people would have discussed it, if someone you knew and loved had done this. You would most likely have to go looking for it as well, I don't believe you would stumble across it by mistake. And if someone you knew told you about it, well that's down to the person telling them, nobody else. It's a discussion forum, this was a local event, albeit a sad one.

Posted by: spartacus Oct 28 2012, 08:48 AM

Why on earth would you suspect anyone would do that? To rub salt in the wounds??!


If I shuffle off this mortal coil by doing something incredibly stupid (I hope I don't but you never know - I have difficulty overcoming the urge to touch things that have a sign saying DO NOT TOUCH and my attempts at 'electrical repairs' around the house have nearly always ended in disaster!) I suspect it will be talked about and some may even laugh at my expense, but I hope the method of my demise isn't so stupid that it makes the funeral eulogy a bit of an embarrassment for the family....


Well now you've pointed it out, it's Natural Selection..... Thinning the Herd so to speak... And we come back to the Darwin Awards element to this tragedy and whether there is a certain bovine character flaw in some that makes them keep going on when they should really turn back...........

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 28 2012, 10:32 AM

I would imagine all of us have done something that would have come close to qualifying us for a Darwin Award, but for a bit of luck. I see little mileage in mocking people who have been successful. It's little more than being spiteful and arrogant.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 28 2012, 11:51 AM

I have just re read the thread and to be honest, I can't see anything which has been said which is spiteful and arrogant. There has been a little 'mocking' but to be honest, nothing that one could say would offend a family. We will never know what was in the mind of the couple when they drove in but it was obviously a lack of attention to their surroundings. It is somewhat akin to driving into the bollards in town or going over the wharf bridge and not seeing the signs. We all love that and are quick to tar all those drivers with the brush of scorn for failing to read the large number of signs in their view as they plod on regardless. As someone else said, if they had just wet their pants we would have been having a right giggle. Pity the result was so terminal for one of the occupants.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 28 2012, 12:20 PM

You must have different standards to me...



In any case, I wasn't necessarily talking about his thread, more a general comment; people that seem immune to being stupid once and a while. It is called being human and being ignorant of one's own faults.

Posted by: motormad Oct 31 2012, 11:41 AM

Probably thin ice considering the occurrence in the last thread. I was as popular as a Jewish man at a meat eating contest.
But to be honest I see (some) people saying basically what I said - however in a more "PC" manner. That is, darwinism and natural selection took their course. How come their posting account was not deleted? Huh? HUH?!

But I digress. I'm glad the road was concreted off. However, how long before someone drives into the bollards "WELL THEY WEREN'T THERE TWO WEEKS AGO".

Posted by: blackdog Oct 31 2012, 11:48 AM

Why would a Jewish man be popular or unpopular at a meat eating contest?

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 31 2012, 11:52 AM

I think he meant a prawn cocktail & pork chop eating contest.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 31 2012, 12:51 PM

What has been installed at the ford as pictured by Timbo in post #15 are NOT bollards!
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bollards&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Ift&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3a%6ffficial&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=yx2RUKKbOMrAhAfDgIGgBA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=638 are bollards!

Posted by: Nothing Much Oct 31 2012, 01:59 PM

Where are me bollards?

Brilliant website Biker1. I have a width restriction of 6ft 6in. No metrication in my street! Outside my front door.

I get wrecked cars and white vans all the time. some end up with wheels at right angles. Others are tipped on their sides and the owners have scarpered. Wonder why. They go too fast. Fail to line up and bang, flop flop flop... Then the rumaging in the boot for the spare wheel. A police car did it a while ago on a call out. They then had to call for assistance.

The ones outside are a bit like the bell shaped ones. They are set back a bit to make bigger trucks think twice.
It is just bad driving and hitting the kerb .
ce

Posted by: JeffG Oct 31 2012, 03:13 PM

Are you on a diet?

Posted by: Nothing Much Oct 31 2012, 03:38 PM

Chuckles!!!
ce.

Posted by: spartacus Nov 5 2012, 09:19 PM

How long before one of the 'furious farming community' members attach a chain from a <ahem> passing tractor to the concrete barrier in the middle of the night and drag the blocks away so they can get through...

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2012/farming-community-furious-at-headley-ford-closure

I noticed that a bridge at the Ufton Nervet level crossing has been suggested by Network Rail (as if there's a few million lying about waiting to be wasted on that) If the level crossing warrants even a suggestion of a bridge (which is going to do nothing to prevent any suicides there) how about a short overbridge of this ford. It seems the level hasn't dropped below a foot of water for a few years now and unless the water table drops again it probably is more deserving of a bridge. Or in this case would Highways engineers be scuppered by the Environment Agency and their fight to protect the spawning ground of some tiny mollusc or crested newt....

Get the local army regiment involved.. They're Engineers. Ask them to build a bridge as part of their MACC (Military Aid to the Civil Community) task. Plenty of bridging equipment lying around MOD barracks now they're no longer stockpiled to face the Red Army....


Easy to build, bomb proof and generally capable of taking the weight of a tank so a short hop over a little stream would be a piece of cake.

Posted by: NWNREADER Nov 6 2012, 09:41 AM

A very different sort of Engineer Regt to those that build bridges, unfortunately. They could do the survey, but not the construction.
Sadly, also there is very limited access to Army manpower etc to work in the community. There is no such thing as a (standing) MACC task. Any such work has to be agreed at a high level, and paid for.

That said, I agree a simple clapper bridge would fit the bill

Posted by: dannyboy Nov 6 2012, 01:46 PM

I noticed that a bridge at the Ufton Nervet level crossing has been suggested by Network Rail

if they can build that, then why not at Thacham too. ?

Posted by: Nothing Much Nov 6 2012, 04:09 PM

Rope in Donald Sutherland and Clint , Cr?pgame and their maniac ilk.
They bridged a bigger pond,allegedly. I have forgotten the film which I have seen so often.

It does sound like a good idea to have a Baily bridge or two.
ce

Posted by: spartacus Nov 6 2012, 06:14 PM

Actually like any serviceman they're "Soldier First, Tradesman Second" and would probably consider that as an insult. They're cap badged as Engineers and will all have completed the Combat Engineer Class III course before specialising as surveyors and map-makers.....

But you're right, give them a bridge building task after a few years of never touching one and it will end up a disaster.

I was only half-suggesting it.. These types of bridges are easy to assemble but also easy to dismantle and for that reason you couldn't leave it unguarded as all it takes is for some scrote to remove a pin or three and it would collapse....

But I do think a low level platform bridge should be considered if it's going to cause such a problem for local farmers. Remove the ford and build a bridge.

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 6 2012, 08:24 PM

Sod it!
Let's build a bridge over all the level crossings in the country!

Posted by: dannyboy Nov 7 2012, 08:18 AM

Kelly's Heroes

Posted by: dannyboy Nov 7 2012, 08:19 AM

why not indeed.

Posted by: NWNREADER Nov 7 2012, 09:07 AM

Posted by: dannyboy Nov 7 2012, 09:15 AM

Remove the ford and build a bridge.

Remove the barrier & let people be responsible for their own actions.

A quick internet search showed that in 2005 14 people were killed falling from ladders, yet I can pop along to B&Q & buy one & start using it with no training. Ladders would seem to be 1400% more deadly than Headley Ford.....

Posted by: Nothing Much Nov 7 2012, 11:35 AM

Kelly's Heroes,Thanks Dannyboy. Still a brilliant film especially on a cold and drizzly Sunday afternoon.

Talking of engineering feats. A distant relative rode on sections of the Mulberry harbour to the Normandy landings.
He was by then a Major in REME. I think they were checking for stress and such.
ce.

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 7 2012, 06:47 PM

Can't think of any reasons eh!?

Posted by: spartacus Nov 7 2012, 07:51 PM

They may be military surveyors but those boys up at Hermitage aren't just confined to sitting inside classrooms, playing with Google Earth and being computer geeks dressed in green.

They should be able to deal with the full works of military engineering. Mine laying/clearance, demolitions, basic construction, water supply, etc etc... and bridging...

Call it a 'Command Task' if MACC or MACA is no longer an option. Leave some oil drums, planks and rope around and get them to make their own improvised bridge across the gap...

Posted by: On the edge Nov 7 2012, 09:21 PM

Mine Laying did you say? Just the thing and so much more effective than bollards!

Posted by: Strafin Nov 8 2012, 06:36 AM

That's right, they are also well versed in staying home, propping the bar up, getting drunk at every available opportunity, and going fishing for days at a time. Lets not confuse them with the real Army!

Posted by: NWNREADER Nov 8 2012, 08:49 AM

Maybe you would like to say that to their faces? I can make some introductions......

(Maybe also sell tickets to the event!)

Posted by: dannyboy Nov 8 2012, 08:57 AM

Not if the cash can be found to bridge a small country lane but not a busy commuter route.

Posted by: spartacus Nov 8 2012, 01:05 PM

Clueless twonk.... Another internet hardman provides a facile comment to demonstrate how dense he is... A fair number of those lads are out in, or have served quite some time in, Afghanistan.

Judging by your comments I guess you thought we were referring to students?

Posted by: Strafin Nov 8 2012, 07:23 PM

No, I just know the place pretty well, remember the stag do incident a few years back?

Posted by: spartacus Nov 8 2012, 07:54 PM

Sure you do.....


"Work hard, play hard"


That incident was very much a one-off and heads certainly rolled for that. Careers (and army pensions) ended for some.
There was a time when the phrase "What happens in the Mess, stays in the Mess" was law, but since the advent of HD video on mobile phones that has all gone out the window.... Sadly it's spoiled many a Stag Night/Rugby Club Bash/Gentlemen's Club evening.

Anyway, one incident several years ago is hardly evidence of large scale debauchery at an army camp.. Your post implied that's all they do. There's hardly ANY trouble locally from the lads. You'd hardly know there was an army camp still linked with the town.. (Kind of getting off topic now so I'll retreat)





Now about this bridge......... I've had an idea....

Posted by: Strafin Nov 8 2012, 10:28 PM

One of them is in the middle of a rape trial I believe. Also I know for a fact that the QM regularly closes his department to go out on "jollies", and I also know for a fact how much of problem drinking is for them all up there. The debauchery still happens all the time, they have just learned lessons about keeping it under wraps now. But you're right, we're drifting off topic.

Posted by: NWNREADER Nov 9 2012, 07:30 AM

The first sentence is inaccurate, the second could be construed as libellous and the 3rd is a risky swipe. I hope your statements all stand up to scrutiny, otherwise NWN might find itself joined with you in a Civil Action.....

Posted by: On the edge Nov 9 2012, 08:07 AM

Seems the Newbury way of doing things is just to let it go! See planning thread.

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 9 2012, 11:09 AM

I think you are being melodramatic.

Posted by: NWNREADER Nov 9 2012, 06:13 PM

If I were the QM at Denison I think I would be seeking a retraction at very least

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 9 2012, 06:19 PM

But he hasn't been directly accused of doing anything wrong, albeit implied.

Posted by: spartacus Nov 9 2012, 07:20 PM

Given what's currently in the news, ie t'internet being used to spread accusations with no basis etc etc and the potential for those spreading such gossip to be held to account, then whether you think it's melodrama or not, it could still be damaging for someone


Just saying like....


(It's an unusual forum this one... Doesn't seem to have ANY moderators. You could get all sorts on here crayoning over threads. Perhaps it's to do with having a Free Press n all that..... Whatever happened to Vbird or was he on the other channel?)

Posted by: Strafin Nov 10 2012, 12:28 AM

But it's true.
look up his office number and try to get him on a Wednesday...

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2012/man-remanded-in-custody-accused-of-attempted-rape-in-newbury

Posted by: spartacus Nov 10 2012, 09:15 AM

This thread started as a bit of comment about a funny sign at the ford. We've now gone WAY off topic doncha think?...









Btw... Wednesday you say? Not sure what connection you ever had with Hermitage (drove past the camp a couple of times maybe?) but Wednesday afternoon used to be the only day that was set aside for playing sport across the whole of the military. That was so units could travel and play each other at representative sport, or individuals could go off and do the same and keep themselves fit. If the QM is closing shop on a Wednesday and letting his team in the stores do the same then good on him! The chance to play sport, go off on Adventure Training exercises abroad and generally have the sort of fun that your civvy mates didn't get chance to do was one of the carrots that used to pull young people through the Careers Office doors...

These days 'overstretch' and 'budget constraints' is used so often as an excuse to cut back on all those sorts of extra-curricular activities that it's got to the stage where much of the enjoyment of having a military career has gone. These days it's 'Join up, go to Afghanistan, get shot at, come home, get slagged off by bods like strafin, have rest, patch up your scrapes, go back to Afghanistan,............'

Posted by: Strafin Nov 10 2012, 09:34 AM

Wednesday afternoon is still set aside for "sport". I am sure the junior ranks still do some but the seniors generally just take a day off, play sport on the Xbox, or in the QM 'case, close the department for a day and go fishing. And I think two Thursdays ago they closed for the whole day to go to a museum. The working day is only 7.5 hours long, BUT they also get a half day Wednesday (although it's up for discussion as to whether that is of benefit or not) and they finish at 12:30 on a Friday. Any hours that are done as extra, which are normally social events are paid back in leave also. I am not trying to derail the thread with an unjustified rant against the military, I am justifying my earlier comment. People are too scared to question the military whilst they will raise wastage with every other government department, I am merely pointing out that the Army life at Hermitage, is not as tough as some people might think.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 10 2012, 10:34 AM

It's Tommy this, and Tommy that, and Tommy go away....as its ever been.

Don't think anyone is criticising the bravery or commitment of our Armed forces - simply the competence of the command. That's quite right, otherwise you arrive at situations like the BBC, or more 1st World War generals. Deifying people or organisations is bad and blinds us to reality.

Reinforcing this, someone made a remark earlier, suggesting there was and should be a mantra 'what happens in the Mess stays in the Mess'. Well, look what's happened at the BBC who appear to have practised just that.

Soldiers know what they've signed up to, just as Police, and many others who do unpleasant and potentially harmful jobs for the benefit of society. Personally, I'm grateful. However, just like me, they and their managers are human.

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 10 2012, 10:59 AM

Good post. The military have become rather 'protected' from criticism, mainly down to the futile efforts in Afghanistan. I have a number of friends who work in and for the armed forces, but that doesn't disguise that there is a lot of waste, old boys club, and thuggery still. I will, however, still pay tribute to those that have fallen; their sacrifice is humbling.

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 10 2012, 07:17 PM

Perhaps we should bridge every ford in the country as well eh?

Posted by: On the edge Nov 10 2012, 08:49 PM

Aaah - the Sound of Music - 'Climb every mountain, bridge ever ford...' (think I'd better stop after this glass)

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 11 2012, 08:48 AM

Hmmmm...........yes, maybe you had OTE!

Posted by: Penelope Nov 11 2012, 10:44 AM

I love the way these threads can evolve and take on a life of their own sometimes.

Posted by: Cognosco Nov 11 2012, 11:14 AM

Don't wish to alarm you but the forum police are right behind you! You get into serious trouble for deflecting the thread; unless you are a council supporter of course.

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 22 2012, 10:14 AM

Could http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-18276551 be the answer rather than closing the ford altogether?
Obviously it is thought it will work at that location.

Posted by: On the edge Nov 22 2012, 10:47 AM

Yes, think it would help! I have personal experience of that ford. Many years back, coming home one rainy night, with a colleague in my even then very old Fiat 126. Most scary, engine spluttered mid way, but luckily we just made it to other side before it stopped. That was pre mobile days, so meant a 2 mile walk home.

Posted by: spartacus Nov 22 2012, 06:35 PM

£30,000 and they're not entirely sure it will work?
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/s/2123646_work_begins_on_charvil_ford_warning_signs

http://goo.gl/maps/v4P2d

Posted by: NWNREADER Nov 22 2012, 07:45 PM

BBC bumping up the price!!! Only £20k on the Wokingham site. Not bad at £5k/sign

Posted by: dannyboy Nov 25 2012, 12:01 PM

They just need a few 'Do Not Follow Sat Nav' roadsigns.

Job done.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 6 2012, 09:16 AM

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2125276_couple_rescued_from_ford

Posted by: motormad Dec 6 2012, 09:41 AM

And they will be read?
Because it looks like the current road signs aren't.

Posted by: dannyboy Dec 6 2012, 09:43 AM

It exonerates the local authority.

Posted by: spartacus Dec 6 2012, 05:47 PM

It would be interesting to know if these people in the Touran were local. Or were they more SatNav numpties? Travelling through the ford at 11pm? And 20 firemen sent to have a look/laugh/rescue. FOUR firecrews for these idiots on the road. About time the cost of sending out emergency services for this type of this incident was recovered from insurance companies.

Posted by: blackdog Dec 6 2012, 06:33 PM

So all our insurance premiums go up? Why not recover it from the idiots who think their cars are amphibious.

Posted by: Strafin Dec 6 2012, 07:35 PM

There is a lot of blaming going on here. You should legitimately be able ot get a Touran through a Ford, if you can't perhaps it should be re-classified and not be a ford anymore? These people may be stupid, but also maybe they aren't. Maybe they weren't following a Sat Nav either.

Posted by: spartacus Dec 6 2012, 07:43 PM

A Touran is hardly an off-roader.

No better clearance than virtually any other family car. Take it through a ford when there's 2ft of running water (I'm guessing but given recent weather it's hardly likely to be inches is it and even 18 inches will catch you out) and it'll turn into a boat if you don't go through at the right speed.

If it's deep enough the water will start to lift the car and grip becomes less and the current against the side of the car will start to shift it sideways ................and off you go for an embarrassing trip (at best) and recovery by the fire brigade accompanied by your wife at the wheel shrieking loud enough to wake the dead.

Posted by: dannyboy Dec 6 2012, 08:20 PM

cycled though that ford last week & the water was deep, but slow. just over 2ft deep.

Posted by: blackdog Dec 7 2012, 12:10 AM

You can't reclassify a Touran it's a Volkswagon, not a Ford.

Fords are fordable when the depth of water is low enough to allow it - the level that makes it fordable depends on the mode of transport. A horse can get through deeper water than a bicycle, a bicycle than a Touran (as demonstrated by dannyboy). Which is why fords have depth indicators. If you drive into a ford without reading the depth gauge - you're a fool. If it reads 2ft and you drive your Touran into it - you're a fool. If you cycle through 2ft of water when there is a perfectly good footbridge you could use - you're keen to get wet.

Posted by: dannyboy Dec 7 2012, 12:36 AM

too right!! bucklebury common is great at this time of year too....

Posted by: spartacus Dec 20 2012, 02:07 AM

Un-believable! Another poor (and ultimately unsuccessful) attempt at crossing Bucklebury ford has been made. This time in a van of some description (not given on the website) when the depth gauge showed 2ft of water.

Four fire crews (20 firefighters in total) to rescue an idiot. God help us....

Posted by: Strafin Dec 20 2012, 08:14 AM

20??? I don't think its just the guy in the van that's the idiot!

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 20 2012, 11:23 AM

Ahhh, but perhaps the signs are not illuminated, or perhaps not clear enough.
They could have been a stranger to the area and not understood what "Ford" meant.
WBC's fault again I'm afraid!!
Perhaps they could install cameras and fine for attempting to cross a deep ford!

Posted by: Penelope Dec 20 2012, 12:01 PM

Or perhaps he read "Ford" and assumed it was where he was supposed to go in his Transit? So many decisions, so much thinking to do! Oh well, never mind, brain out and pedal to the metal.

Posted by: spartacus Dec 20 2012, 03:36 PM

Tempted? Anyone?

Posted by: Nothing Much Dec 20 2012, 05:10 PM

Cripes .I know I am bonkers. But that snap of the water would have given me 2nd thoughts.
ce

Posted by: spartacus Jan 16 2013, 08:49 PM

A car got stuck in the Bucklebury ford again today requiring the emergency services to attend,. And apparently there was a white van man stuck in the ford just before Christmas (NOT including the one that happened on 20 Dec!!)

Just what are these people thinking? Do they pay the NWN not to print the article to save the embarrassment of letting their neighbours know they are idiots? (I didn't see anything about the white van man but I know it happened and nothing has appeared yet about today's escapade...)