Volunteers working with Thames21 during a river litter pick

Lady of the Lock

Patricia Eustace’s life has been very closely tied to the River Thames. This charming 86-year-old has spent all her life living beside the river – 60 years in a lovely house overlooking Shepperton Lock – and she was one of several readers who responded to my invitation to share their memories of learning to swim in the Thames.

Kraken news for Thames

Huzzah! The river bobbies are coming back. Earlier this year, I bemoaned the loss of the very excellent PC Jim Halstead who was a regular sight aboard the launch he shared with Environment Agency officers whilst patrolling our bit of the Thames.

Remember landing?

It always worries me that, bit-by-bit, our public rights can be eroded away simply because we don’t know when – or how – to protect them.