I’ve always had a real soft spot for historic ships and boats. Vessels that hark back to an era when Britain really did rule the waves and when craftsmanship was something to be proud of rather than regarded as old-fashioned.
Owners floored by mooring fees
Most of us who own and use pleasure craft on the Thames have complained over the years about the steep increases in the cost of launch licences levied by the Environment Agency and its forebears.
Barging in on the dredging debate
I’ve had lots of input from readers on the subject of dredging since I mentioned it a couple of weeks or so ago in the context of flood prevention following the recent inundations.
Time to put up the cash
Chris Smith and the PM must get their act together on flooding
From a mystery tunnel to dredging the Thames
Last week, I told the story about Doug Millsom and his friends who, as youngsters, used to play around a tunnel that emerged on the bank of Desborough Island and asked whether any readers knew its history.
Fisherman need friends – and some bigger nets
My old mate Doug ‘the ancient angler’ Millsom called me up this week to chide me for ignoring his fellow fishermen.
Turbulence of the Thames
For those living close to the river, the past few weeks must have been an absolute nightmare.
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.
Dr Tim’s book proves to be quite a tonic
It’s always a pleasure writing about the sports clubs that dot the banks of the Thames throughout our area
The boat show – can you smell the possibilities?
As regular readers of this column will know, this is the time of year when I get really excited – because the London Boat Show is about to open its doors.