Author: Leigh Hatts

There are plans to rebuild the iron Whitchurch Bridge which opened in 1902.

The first bridge was erected in 1792. Todayt’s listed early Edwardian toll crossing was built when cars were still outnumbered by horse and cart. The planned works are intended to strengthen the bridge which is now used by heavy lorries.

The cost is about £3m and already there have been protests about the toll being being doubled to 40p. Once carriages paid just two pence for each wheel.

If planning permission is given it is expected that work will take place next year when there will be a temporary bridge alongside for pedestrians.

See pages 134 and 135.

The towpath between Staines Bridge and Runnymede Bridge at Bell Weir Lock is closed until early August.

This is caused by work on a short stretch opposite the London Stone.

The alternative route is:

Do not cross Staines Bridge. Continue on the Staines side by going down steps to the riverside. Soon pass the bridge to Church Island. Don’t continue up Church Street but stay by the river to pass the tennis courts and go up the path in Lammas Recreation Ground.

Turn left along Wraysbury Road. Walk on the north side. After passing under the M25 go left along a footpath. Join the A30 across Runnymede Bridge where you are protected by a barrier. Once on the Egham bank go right on a footpath leading to the river.

See pages 81 to 83.

The Thames Path has been closed again between Bay Wharf and Lovell’s Wharf on the Greenwich Peninsula.

The Environment Agency is repairing Morden Wharf which will require the closure to be maintained until September.

The alternative route is:

At the end of Bay Wharf the path is a little away from the water as it meets an enclosed passage.

Here go left to meet the Tunnel Approach motorway. Go right and beyond the footbridge (left) keep on the parallel Tunnel Road which moves away from the fast traffic. At Blackwall Lane go right and take the first right Mauritus Road.

This turns south to become Christchurch Way. Go right into Derwent Street and left into Banning Street. At the Pelton Arms go  right into Pelton Road to rejoin the Thames at Ballast Quay.

No official announcements online yet so many thanks Darryl of 853 blog for highlighting this on Twitter.

See pages 16 and 17.

Barry Mason, manager of Surrey Docks Farm, has died in Spain whist going for a swim in the sea.

As tributes indicate he was much more than his recent lasting achievements at the farm.

He was a cyclist who of course cycled on the Thames Path. But he was always alert to any closures. When he took over at the farm one of his priorities was embracing the stretch of permissive Thames Path as an important part of the Surrey Docks Farm.

The Thames Path here was improved and open every day.  He kept walkers off the roads.

We should remember this as we walk through and pause in the lovely garden.

He will of course be first missed on Sunday afternoon 19 June when there is a Trinity Sunday parish fete involving the farm and Holy Trinity Church opposite.

See page 21.

I have just enjoyed Sunday lunch at Surrey Docks Farm where ten days ago Frizzante took over the cafe.

This is an Italian team who already do the catering at Hackney City Farm.

Arriving after 1pm I found that the roast was finished but two of us managed the last two fish pies. For pudding we had their lovely real Italian ice cream (2 scoops £2.50).

The atmosphere is as lovely and informal as before. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.

The Thames Path running through the farm is looking much better, more interesting plants and hedges, and at last gates at both ends.

See page 21.

There is good news of  a possible improvement ti the route at Maidenhead.

After crossing Maidenhead Bridge walkers turn right into Bridge Gardens but then find the way blocked by Bridge House.

Thanks to the persistence and local knowledge of East Berks Ramblers’ footpath secretary Margaret Bowdery  the Royal Borough has published plans for a long awaited riverside path in front of Bridge House.

At present walkers have to cross the busy Ray Mill Road twice.

There is a public consultation in progress.

See page 99.

Some of the lock staff you meet this summer will be local volunteers.

BBC South Today ran a piece on Thursday evening about the Environment Agency’s call for volunteer lock keepers on the Thames.

Seasonal help is not unknown but now the plan is not to pay those coming forward.

This does seem to be a foolish money saving exercise which does nothing to give us confidence about the future of lock and weir keepers.

Waterways operation manager Andrew Graham describes this as an exciting opportunity but the uniformed job needs training and a weekly commitment.

The Enviroment Agency’s chief executive is paid £195,000 a year.

St Peter’s Church at Wallingford, with its candle snuffer spire, is the riverside landmark. Lawyer Sir William Blackstone is buried there. The key to the redundant but lovely building on the Thames Path can be borrowed from the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall in Market Place.

Meanwhile, the Churches Conservation Trust is hosting Midsummer Tea Parties at two nearby churches in June.

Both are across the river.

St Mary’s in the hamlet of Newnham Murren just south of Crowmarsh Gifford across Walingford Bridge has fundraising teas available on Saturday 18 June 3.30pm–5.30pm at next door Newnham Farm House.

Riverside St John the Baptist at Mongewell Park is holding its Tea Party the next day on Sunday 19 June, 2pm-4pm.

See pages 144 and 146 -147.

The Nag’s Head on Abingdon Bridge closed in January and despite local concern it remains closed.

It appears that the decision to close was taken by Punch Taverns who were not the building’s owners.

See page 172.

If you are on the Thames Path at Greenwich this Easter Monday you might see traditional chair-lifting at lunchtime.

The Church Times reminds us that the Blackheath Morris Men have been maintaining this Midlands Easter custom next to the Cutty Sark for the last twenty years.

Girls are invited to sit in a decorated chair and be lifted up in the air in return for a kiss.

The flower covered chair will be brought out at about 12.30pm.

See page 18.