Volunteers working with Thames21 during a river litter pick

Generations join in Thames ‘rescue’

Teamwork helps distraught boy fish his homemade skateboard from the river

Blame it on his mum

Derek Banks blames his mother for his lifelong interest in boats and boating. Derek, who runs barging holiday company European Waterways Ltd from his idyllic riverside home in Wraysbury, was packed off by his mum to work at Crevall’s boatyard in Old Windsor during each school holiday for every year between the ages of 13 and 18.

Keep an eye out for birds along the river

Three cheers for the River Thames Guide, the website which provides a comprehensive information service about all things to do with the Thames, which is launching a project aimed at encouraging youngsters to get involved with bird-watching along the length of the river.