Cover photo: Moulsford Railway Bridge built by Brunel for the Great Western Railway
We open this week’s roundup by recognising the Thames Path National Trails volunteers who this week received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The volunteers work in all weathers installing signs, repairing gates, cutting grass and clearing scrub.
In the past week we have seen more and more signs that the Thames is finally coming back to life.
Kew Gardens is now accepting visitors albeit you must reserve a slot in advance
Hammertons, which operates the ferry service across the Thames between Ham House and Twickenham is restarting from today
Hobbs of Henley, who offer an array of boat services, have announced that their self-drive hire boats will be available from June 13
On June 15 at 7pm there will be an online talk from Paul Wood, author of London’s Street Trees, entitled Street trees in Lambeth and beyond. Paul will use his own pictures and Google Streetview. The event is organised by the Friends of Durning Library.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ death (9 June 1870), the Museum of Walking is hosting a virtual tour of London through the eyes of the author. Further details here.
Artist Eleanor Lakelin has been commissioned to create a new work for Reading Museum to memorialise Reading Gaol’s most famous inmate, Oscar Wilde. The piece will be made from Horse Chestnut, a tree that once overlooked the gaol. The prison was closed in 2014 and is currently on the market.
Route News
The Thames Path is set to become even longer! In 2021 it will link with the 2,800 mile England Coast Path to the east of Woolwich, presumably at Woolwich ferry where coastal walkers can cross between Kent and Essex. It’s only an extra 2 miles!
New signs have been posted by the Environment Agency at locks. Some barriers have been put up to ensure that lock-keepers remain separated from walkers when helping boats through the locks.
And Natural England has revised its Countryside Code for our new Covid-19 environment. It advises not to have BBQ’s and fires, which have been a particular problem in the countryside during the week.
Stay safe and we hope to see you on the Thames Path soon!
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