Several readers have been in touch following last week’s column about illegal fishing on our stretch of the Thames – and the one thing that most of you have told me is that it appears to be people of eastern European origin who are ignoring the rules.

The one thing that the majority of people who use the river for recreation have in common is a sense of responsibility – a desire to preserve the Thames and to safeguard its beauty for future generations.

One of the most enjoyable community events on the river takes place this weekend with the running of the 132nd Sunbury Amateur Regatta.

The new Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Caroline Spencer, is taking a novel approach to the annual River Day ritual this year by moving it from its traditional spot in September – and reversing the direction so that the procession begins in Staines and ends in Sunbury.