Categories
Updates

Convoys Wharf approved by Mayor of London

The Convoys Wharf development has been given the go-ahead tonight by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The controversial development covers historic Deptford Dockyard which with the adjoining Sayes Court Garden have been highlighted by the World Monuments Fund Monuments Watch as being at risk.

Trinity House was founded here 500 years ago, Elizabeth I came here and the Golden Hinde docked here.

The Mayor’s decision is subject to provision for Sayes Court garden restoration. The National Trust, which was founded as a result of a failed attempt to save the Sayes Court building and garden, has the backed the garden plan.

During the hearing at City Hall mention was made of the Thames Path being routed along the riverside where newsprint for Fleet Street was until recently landed.

Today’s inland route does have the advantage of passing the unique Dog & Bell pub.

Categories
Updates

Another dramatic rescue by a Thames lock-keeper.

River Thames News has an important story about a rescue by the Shifford lock-keeper.

This comes just after the Abingdon lock-keeper came to the rescue.

Categories
Updates

‘Thames Path is generally walkable’

“The path is generally walkable,” says the Thames Path National Trail office.

It is certainly drying out although there are plenty of signs of the flood damage along the way.

Categories
Updates

Bugsby’s Reach: More views

Photographer Peter Marshall is opposing the plan to change the name of Bugsby’s Reach to Waterman’s Reach.

His written objection and more can be read on a Peter Marshall website.

Categories
Updates

Kingston: Thames Riverside Boardway

Today’s announcement by Mayor of London Boris Johnson that the ‘mini-Hollands’ cyclists programme will include a Thames Riverside Boardway may raise fears of more conflict between cyclists and walkers.

The Boardway is planned for Kingston and will be cyclist only. “Pedestrians will be restricted to the existing path on the river-bank,” states the consultation document. This will be possible by placing the Boardway partly on floating structures.

Cyclists will be able to cross the river alongside the railway bridge from the Teddington/Hampton Wick bank and continue south past Kingston Bridge where the Thames Path crosses. So cyclists and the Thames Path will be parallel for only the very short distance between the two Kingston crossings.

 

Categories
Updates

Bugsby’s Reach: Consultation starts on name change

From the Thames Barrier to the O2 you are alongside a section the River Thames known as Bugsby’s Reach.

It may have been named after a Geenwich Peninsula gardener.

However, the Port of London Authority is preparing to rename the river here Waterman’s Reach on Friday 18 September to mark the 500th anniversary of the Watermen’s Company foundation on that date by Henry VIII.

This is an important anniversary of a vital body but it does seem a pity to change a very old name which is also part of the Thames heritage.

The PLA consultation on the planned name change ends on Tuesday 21 April.

More details and some very good points are on the 853 blog.

 

Categories
Updates

Tilehurst: The Roebuck restored but not open

Early Thames Path walkers will remember when The Roebuck near Tilehurst Station was open and  a natural stop for lunch.

The path crosses the railway and passes the side of the pub. The huge window at the back gave a wonderful view across the Chilterns.

It changed its name and then closed. It is still a closed pub.

But the good news is that the fine Victorian building has been restored as accommodation. Parkers has the details and pictures.

Categories
Updates

Maidenhead: Thames Path missing link hope

Having crossed Maidenhead Bridge you turn upstream through the Bridge Gardens and suddenly you have to briefly  join the road to avoid one building.

On Shrove Tuesday Windsor & Maidenhead Council’s rights of way & highways licensing panel agreed that a riverside path should be created. If negotiation with residents fails members are prepared to consider a path creation order and a public inquiry.

Margaret Bowdery, who has just retired after 43 years as East Berkshire Ramblers footpath secretary, remains hopeful of a solution being found without the need for a public inquiry.

The Thames Path continues as a riverside path in front of the upstream building.