Terra Nova looking a little the worse for wear at the back of the boatyard – but work on refurbishment will get under way soon, says Mort

The end of the voyage

This my final Riverwatch column. After more than seven years and over 300 editions, this wonderful little newspaper is about to close and rather than cling on grimly until the last moment, I’ve decided to bow out gracefully ahead of time.

Seal fans, look away now

So the clocks have gone back, Marks and Sparks have got all their Christmas merchandise out on display and the youngsters are letting off fireworks left right and centre ahead of Guy Fawkes’ night. The summer is officially over.

Remedies along a towpath

Elaine Cole from Walton loves to take a walk beside the river. She enjoys watching the boats go by, looking at the wildlife and she also takes the opportunity to re-stock her medicine cabinet.