Whenever Staines regatta comes around, it’s always a bit of a poignant time and this Saturday the event is being staged as a tribute to the memory of the crew of the Ashes eight, three of whom – David Firman, Alan Wickens and Alan Choules – died in a tragic accident at Penton Hook in April 1971.
A few weeks back I asked whether any readers remembered the boatyards which were reputed to have built motor launches, motor torpedo boats and other craft for the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
ROB MARSH has a dream. He wants to make Shepperton Marina the best on the Thames – no small ambition when you consider some of the competitors he’s up against.
