Chris Smith and the PM must get their act together on flooding
Recent developments
Would more lock-keepers have made a difference?
The terrible flooding, which has followed days of heavy rain, has caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to home and businesses in our area and there has much coverage elsewhere in this newspaper about the impact on the lives of local residents.
Don’t bank on pontoons
Sometimes people come up with brilliant ideas out of the blue – an innovative way of attacking a problem that suddenly reveals the obvious solution from a fog of uncertainty.
Home Guards’ ‘Mac’ was the guardian of the lock
One of the things I love most about writing this column is that every now and again I’m contacted by someone with a lovely story to tell connected to our stretch of the Thames.
The hulk instant rover
Mystery journey of derelict boat that had sunk to the bottom
Sunk by the recession?
My brother and I took Terra Nova out for a last jaunt of the season on Saturday. One thing that struck me as we wended our way along was the number of boats that look as though they have been abandoned.
Tipping my hat to Boris
I have to confess that I’m not a big fan of politicians. Most of them seem to delight in avoiding answering straight questions and a significant number probably wouldn’t know the truth if it hit them in the face.
Charity challenge for female rowers
I always enjoy turning the spotlight on some of the wonderful things river people undertake for charity – and this week is no exception.
Bridge tops out as boats pass under
Today’s the day for the final ‘topping out’ ceremony at the new Walton Bridge – and thanks to the organisational efforts of our local boat clubs, there will be a sail past to mark the event along with a number of other events.
New bridge, ancient mates
I haven’t written about the progress on the construction of the new river crossing at Walton for a while and I just wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate the builders and Surrey County Council for the impressive way the building work has gone.