As ceremonies take place in many countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, we have our own opportunity to pay tribute to acts of extreme bravery when the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) stages its annual veterans’ cruise up the Thames from Kingston to Weybridge on Sunday, September 13.
History
Idyllic gem’s hidden away
There are many idyllic places from which to enjoy the beauties of the Thames but one of the best kept secrets around seems to be Truss’s Island – a tiny ait on the Surrey bank of the river quite close to Staines Bridge.
Revive the riverside resort
It seems astonishing now, but there was a time, 100 or so years ago, when Staines was considered a riverside resort to rank alongside the likes of Marlow and Henley.
Recognise anyone?
David and Nicky Prior have lived in their attractive house at Hamm Court, Weybridge since 1965 and have a real fascination for the history of the estate which is bounded by the rivers Bourne, Wey and Thames.
Little tankers’ vital role
I’ve been delighted by the response to my question about readers’ memories of the Walton Yacht Company during the 1940s and 1950s. I had so much input that I have enough information to produce a special feature about the place.
Out flooded the workers…
Mort Smith recently asked readers for their memories of the Walton Yacht Company. Here are just some of the reminiscences you’ve been keen to share
Spanning the centuries
As the long-running debate over a new bridge to span the Thames at Walton appears to have reached a conclusion, I thought it was about time to take a look at the history of this particular crossing as part of the series of articles focusing on the bridges spanning the river in the Herald & News area.
Such a vital contribution
My articles about the activities of the Upper Thames Patrol during the 1940s seem to have stirred a few of memories with readers.
When Lord Lucan dropped in
It’s funny how things can spark all kinds of memories for some folk. Jennifer Willis from Weybridge read my Riverwatch column on the history of Staines Bridge and was prompted to get in touch to say that it brought back recollections of her youinger years growing up beside the Thames at Staines where she was a successful competitor in punting races.
Des’s painful memories
Des Davidson from Shepperton has contacted me about my column describing the activities of the Upper Thames Patrol, a branch of the Home Guard during the Second World War, who were given the responsibility of defending the locks, weirs and bridges on the river.