IT’S NOT often that getting stuck behind a bus can be a source of joy, but for one Reading woman, it was life-changing.
Catherine Jenkins had been made redundant from an office job and was driving home when she saw an advert that gave her a change of career.
Reading Buses was seeking new drivers, and the idea so tickled her that she threw her hat into the ring. And she’s just marked her 20th anniversary behind the double decker wheels.
“I thought I would do something about that,” said Catherine who had always worked in offices. “I felt it would be outside my comfort zone, but that I would definitely give it a try.”
And she has an additional reason to be grateful to the Great Knollys Street firm: she met her partner of four years, Clare, through work.
The 55-year-old added: “It must have been written in the stars.
“I had no previous family history in the bus industry – I’m the first in the family to drive a bus. I never imagined in a million years that I would be doing so and if I hadn’t been made redundant from my office job it wouldn’t have happened to me.
“I am so pleased it did.”
She has been nominated for multiple Reading Buses Star of the Month awards during her career, and is looking forward to one day winning one, as well as continuing to enjoy life as a driver on the operator’s town routes.
“I enjoy the variety – no two days are the same which is nice. I have also made lifelong friendships at Reading Buses which I cherish,” she said.
When she is not behind the wheel, she enjoys walking her two Toy Poodles.
Caroline Anscombe, Reading Buses’ HR director, said: “Catherine made a huge leap of faith by becoming a bus driver after seeing one of our adverts and it has certainly paid off. She truly demonstrates that it is a job that is suitable for anyone, regardless of your background.
“Catherine has had a very successful 20 years and I hope to see her driving for many more to come.”
