Invasion of the water weeds

Himalyan Balsam can quickly stifle other plants along riverbanks.

Invaders from foreign lands have generally not proved to be much of a problem for us British since the arrival of William the Conqueror more than 1,000 years ago.

Bombing of the bridge

Ack-ack attack: The journey home from a dance at the Walton Playhouse in September 1940 proved quite hairy for Jimmy, left, and Billy Brant, but fortunately they lived to tell the tale.

But brothers Billy and Jeremy and their brave young aunt were undaunted by German pilot's attack

Bridge tops out as boats pass under

Not missed: Boat skippers will be delighted to see the back of the old bridges whose supporting piers made navigating around the bend in the river a tricky business.

Today's the day for the final ‘topping out’ ceremony at the new Walton Bridge – and thanks to the organisational efforts of our local boat clubs, there will be a sail past to mark the event along with a number of other events.

New bridge, ancient mates

I haven't written about the progress on the construction of the new river crossing at Walton for a while and I just wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate the builders and Surrey County Council for the impressive way the building work has gone.