In May this year, I reported on a walk by artist Sue Bailey and photographer Pamela Chapman-Burrell from the source of the river down to the Thames Barrier which was designed to raise money for a very worthwhile charity – the Thames Boat Project.
Hundreds of thousands of people cross them every year in cars, on cycles and on foot and they are a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Without them, many people would be unable to get to work, to do their shopping or to visit friends and family. So maybe it’s a little surprising that few people give much thought to the bridges that cross the River Thames – we just take them for granted.
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.
