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Mort's Riverwatch

An occasional look at the ebb and flow of the Thames

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Month: November 2014

Recent developments

The end of the voyage

27/11/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

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.

Local people

Royal appointment for two dedicated sailors

20/11/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

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.

Thames21 volunteers
History Recent developments

Little ship left a big impression

13/11/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

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.

The steam launch Alaska has been beautifully restored and is still offering trips on the Thames during the summer. She is now owned by Thames Steamers Ltd.
History

Travel in style on a steamer

06/11/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

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.

Archives

Get in touch

To contact Mort, email him at mortsmith32@gmail.com or call him on 01787 226974. He’s always pleased to hear from old friends who provided such a wealth of information and great stories for Riverwatch.

These columns appeared in the Surrey Herald.

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