This my final Riverwatch column. After more than seven years and over 300 editions, this wonderful little newspaper is about to close and rather than cling on grimly until the last moment, I’ve decided to bow out gracefully ahead of time.
Royal appointment for two dedicated sailors
Two local sailors are to be presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards – the outstanding contribution award to sailing – by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA.
Little ship left a big impression
I’ve often mentioned the activities of the waterways charity Thames21 in this column but I thought it might be helpful to take a closer look at the organisation’s background.
Travel in style on a steamer
If you don’t own a boat, then for many people their only experience of getting out on the Thames is by taking a trip on a passenger launch.
Residents channelling their own flood plans
I’ve been contacted by an old friend – Doug Myers – with concerns about the proposed River Thames Scheme to reduce flooding risks.
Small problem with a lot of mussel…
You probably wouldn’t think a small shellfish would be much to worry about in the great scheme of things – but then you might not ever have heard of the quagga mussel and the impact it can have when it gets into a waterway.
The ‘liquid history’ of our Old Father Thames
I’ve spent most of my life on, in or around the River Thames and it has never ceased to fascinate me – and occasionally I find myself pondering the question: Why?
Memories of a magical – if nerve-wracking – time
I’ve always loved the pleasure boats that carry passengers up and down the Thames and I wrote in a recent column that as a youngster in the 1950s I used to enjoy watching the steamers coming and going from the pier at Richmond as they carried passengers upstream to Hampton Court or downstream to Westminster.
Guiding lights since the days of King Henry VIII
I suppose it’s not surprising that someone like me who loves messing about in boats – either on the river or at sea – has a corresponding interest in the workings of the Corporation of Trinity House.
Glorious idea that could put Walton on tourist map
The royal barge Gloriana, presented to the Queen as a gift to mark her Diamond Jubillee by Lord Sterling and others, has been seeking a permanent home ever since she led the river pageant during the jubilee celebrations in 2012.